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HISTORY 



COUNTIES 



BERKS AND LEBANON: 



CONTAINING A BRIEF ACC0UNT OF THE INDIANS 

Who inhabited this region of country, and the numerous Murders by 

them ; notices of the first Swedish, Welsh, French, German, Irish, 

and English settlers, giving the names of nearly five thousand 

of them. Biographical Sketches, topographical descriptions • 

of every Township), and of the Principal Toisrns 

and Villages ; the Bellgious History; -with 

inuoh useful Statistical information ; 

notices of the Pros3'& Education. 



EMBELLISHED BY SEVERAL APPROPRIATE ENGRAVINGS. 



CCaPILKT) FROM AUTnT-XTIC 90UnCE3 

Author OF Hs Pasa Ezklssia., sto., arc 






PUBLISHED AND SOLD, 
BY G. HILLS, PROPRIETOR ; 

LAXCASTElt, PA. 



1844. 



I 



Eatered, accordiag to an act of Congress, in the year 1S43, 

BY GILBERT HILLS, PROPRIETOR, LANCASTER, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of 

Pennsylvania. 



lOHN H. PEARSOL, PRINTER, LANCASTER, PA, 



i^l 



PREFACE. 



The writer made no attempt in this ccmpilation, as can te 
done in regular history, in which causes and effects are minute- 
ly given, to preserve a consecutive chronological arrangeirent 
of facts; it was not his design to do so; he simply aimed at tmi- 
bodying in a convenient foim, notices of the leading incidents 
that occurred in Berks and Lebanon, ficm their earliest settle- 
ments; and with that view, preserved, as far as piacticatie, 
original documents, letters, extracts, etc., krxwirg that ll.ete 
are always read v.ith m.uch interest by the gieat majoiity. 

The design of this woik is to preserve the mcst inteiestirg 
local facts relating to the Indians Mho inhabited this region of 
country, the numerous sanguinary massacres ccmmitted by 
them: to give brief historical sketches of the first Swedish, 
Welsh, French, German, Irish, and English settlers, and as far 
as practicable, to preserve the names cf these who resided a 
century ago, within the limits of these counties, and to ccca- 
sionally intersperse biographical sketches of scm^e of the pio- 
neers or their immediate descendants, of ministers of the gospel, 
so far as they had been connected with the church in these 
counties, &c. How far this has been done, is left to the can- 
did reader to say. Nothing has been \^{i undone on the part 
of the compiler, to collect facts from authentic sources and ar- 
range them according to the best of his judgment. 

To compile a work like this, is attended with difficulties that 
none know of, except those whom experience has taught. A 
remark oorroborative of this may be found in the preface to 
" The Description of the Borough of Reading," by Major Wil- 



IV PRl!;FACE. 

liam Stable. The author says: — "That the execution of his 
design was not free from difficulty, may be inferred from the 
fact that it was undertaken many months ago, and has been 
prosecuted with unremitted diligence to the present moment. 
The difficulties attending a work of this description far exceed 
those of ordinary authorship. It is easy to write an essay, or 
a plausible argument, on almost any subject, but difficult to as- 
certain facts. It is pleasant to sit at one's ease and write out 
a tale of fictitious love or wee; not so, to scour the streets, 
noting the material, and measuring the height of houses, and 
inquiring into the business of their inmates. It was the gather- 
ing of the materiel for the book that gave me the most trouble, 
and it is in the fidelity with which this task has been perfoimed, 
that its principal merit consists." 

In a compilation of this kind, made up of letters, &.C., with 
original remarks occasionally, a diversity of style cannot be 
avoided; especially where the very words of authors quoted, and 
contributors, are preserved. Where the sentiment, or a mere 
lact of an author is embodied in these pages, the usual marks of 
credit are given. 

The acknowledgments of the compiler are due the followin!-; 
gentlemen, for facts furnished by them: 

Messrs. H. K. Strong, State Librarian; Charles M'Ckire, 
Secretary of the Commonwealth; Charles Kessler, John S. 
Richards, T. P. Jones, Joel Ritter, John E. Longnecker, Wil- 
liam Rank, Jacob Weidle, Jacob Beam, Charles Troxel, Abra- 
ham De Tirk, Thomas E. Lee, Joseph Light, Adam Uirich, 
Doctors Leineweaver, Isaac Hiester, C. H. Hunter, the Hons. 
John Ritter, H. A. Muhlenberg, the Revd's Miller, Bucher, 
Pauli, Herman, Uirich, Leinbach, Ernst, Wagner, Rothrauff. 
To those gentlemen who received the writer, while collecting 
materials, so hospitably, he would thus publicly return his 
thanks for their kindness. 

Lancaster, Pa., July 12, 1844. 



CONTENTS 

OF THE HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY. 



CHAPTEH. 
I. 


Introduction, . . . . 


PACK. 

13 


II. 


The Indians, . . . . 


16 


III. 


Murders committed by the Indians, 


33 


IV. 


The Swedes, 


80 


V. 


French Protestants, or Huguenots, 


83 


VI. 


The Germans, 


90 


VII. 


The Welsh, 


110 


VIII. 


The Irish, 


114 


IX. 


Erection of Berks County, 


117 


X. 


Historical and topographical description oj 
township in Berks County, 


' each 

122 


XL 


General Statistics of Berks County, 


262 




Appendix, A, . 


275 




Addenda, 


290 



CONTENTS 

OF THE HISTORY OF LEBANON COUNTY. 



«HlTTI'.It. 



1. 


Lebanon County erected, . 


:]{)! 


11. 


General Statistics of Lebanon County, 


;i()S 


III. 


Geology of Berks and Lebanon County, 


374 


IV. 


Internal Improvements, 


:^7s 


V. 


The American Revolution, 


38ti 


VI. 


Education, 


407 


VII. 


Religious History, 


4K) 


VIII. 


History of the Press, etc., 


470 


IX. 


Miscellaneous, 


000 




Appendix, B, . 


489 




Addenda, . 


491 



E RRATA. 



Numerous typographical errors occur, some of which it is important 
that they should be noted to prevent mistakes in dates, facts and names. 
The first numerals, in these corrections, indicate the page; those at the 
close of the correction, the line; always counting from the top of the page, 
unless otherwise stated. 

Page 17, Alligewi, Te3.i Alliwegi, line 25; 71, Mechir, Melchior, 9; 71, 
1754,1757,3; 77, spring, sprang, 13; Yon, Ton, 7; 1910, 1710,36; 93, 
Redemptions, Redemptioner, 16; 94, mak2wlght!<, makeweights, 5; 105, afie'r, 
often, 20; 125, cciimot be enabled, on not being able, 12; 125, Alhimmapccs, 
Allummapees, 11; 131, life, lives, 8; lio, mannfadures, manufactorj^ 17; 
174, 1838, 1758,6; 181, 1735, 1758; 183, filM, Held, 12; 184, 1841, 1741, 
30 ; 185, school, church, 38 ; 186, 1852, 1752 ; 1833, 1756, 8 ; 196, 34, 14, 9 ; 
197,purUsn, purlieu, 29; 199, whcrcfrom, wherefor, 8; 190, 1818, 1718, 10; 
199, Reads, Revds., 25 ; 199, dcpitties wxs, deputies' case was, 29 , 2D0, soii!h- 
#z?% southwest, 30; 201, ficc, four children, 3 ; 201, .Anna, Madlini, Anna 
Madlina, 4; in the foot note, page 201, first line read, page 181. in a note 
we stated on the authority of family tradition. 204, Wihon, Weiscr, 13; 
304, mild, wild, 33; 205, Pyrlacm, Pyrlaeus, 17; 205, Shamokia, Shekome- 
ko, 32; 205, Shcmokin, Shekomeko, 36; 210, Tueipwrnrn'r, Teedyscung, 11 ; 
222, Loner, Lower, 35 ; 223, 1744, 1844, 3 ; 245, respectively, repeatedly, 29 ; 
fH7,better, bitLer,24;- 259, turnpikes, townships, 23; 427, Krichel, Kriebel, 12. 
Errors. — Union township in Lebanon county, was taken entirely from 
Eist Hanover, and no part of it from Switara township. 

Lebanon contains one or two taverns less than stated on page 312. 
Oniissiom. — We omitted to state in its proper place, that there were se- 
veral Banks in the Borough of Reading, viz : — The Farmers' Bank of 
Reading, incorporated in 1S14, and the Berks County Bank, incorporated 
in 1836. The latter is in bad repute; its paper is quoted at 63 per cent, 
discount! 



INTRODUCTION. 



CHAPTER I. 

Two hundred and ten years ago, no white man held possession 
among the red men of the woods -within the extended limits of an 
uncultivated territory of Pennsylvania, three himdred and ten 
miles in length, and one hundred and sixty in breadth, coiitain- 
ing rising thirty million acres of land ; and, at present, inhabited 
by a white population numbering nearly two millioas — a region 
of country, wliich, in its mountains and hills, its valliea and 
glens, rivers, creeks and cascades, presents all the varieties of 
the grand, " rugged, sheltered and romantic scenery ;" and, iti 
the bosom of whose vfriegated surface, useful minerals, ores, 
and indispensable fossils are embedded. "A little more than 
two centuries ago, the lords of the soil were Indians, and v/hose 
prerogative it was, that alone " their fear and their dread were 
upon every beast of Pennsylvania, and upon every foul of the 
air, and all that moved upon the earth in thai domain, and upon 
all the fishes of the dreams,'^ but who have since been obliged 
to leave their hunting grounds and wigwams, and of whom some 
account vnll be given in the sequel. The Swedes were the first 
who settled among the Indians within the limits of Pe:msyhMnia ; 
as early as 1638, they made purchases from thew, though at 
a cheap rate. The Indians sold them the use 0/ lands in and 
about Tinicum isle, at one yard of baize, or a bottle of brandy, 
for four hundred acres. 

At Tinicum isle, the seat of government c/ the New Sweden 
colony, John Printz, erected in 1642, a spacious mansion, well 
known in history as Piintz's Hall. The Swedes, however, were 
not left long in quiet possession of their new home; the Dutch, 
in 1655, subdued and brought thera under the jurisdiction of 
Peter Stuyvesant, governor of New Netherlands, who, himself 
and country, were shortly afterwards conquered by Charles II., 
1 



14 INTRODUCTION. 

of England, and New Netherlands was afterwards called New 
York; and, as a consequence, the settlements on the Delaware, 
first made by the Swedes, then held by the Dutch, fell into the 
possession of the English, in 1664. 

In Europe, a spirit of rehgious persecution, caused many an 
aching heart to yearn after a place of peace and repose ; where, 
in obedience to the dictates of conscience, the Almighty might 
be worshipped without an impious interposition by man between 
the homage of man and his Creator. At this time the founder 
of Pennsylvania, on account of his religious sentiments, suffered 
much in this way; and in order to escape persecution, and to 
establish a colony for the oppressed of all denominations, turned 
his eye upon the western world. 

William Penn, born in London, October 16, 1664, grandson 
of Giles Penn, and son of Sir William Penn, Admiral of the 
English Navy, availed himself of the claims he had upon the 
British Government, on account of the eminent services his 
father had rendered that country, petitioned King Charles II., 
that, in lieu of a large sum of money, sixteen thousand pounds, 
due the Admiral, at his death, to grant him letters patent for a 
tract of land in America, " lying north of Maryland ; on the 
east, bomided by Delaware river ; on the west, limited as Mary- 
land; and northward, to extend as far as plantable." 

Penn obtained a charter from Charles II., dated at West- 
minster, March 4, 1681. Having now been sole proprietary 
of Pennsylvania, he made sales of lands to adventurers, called 
first settlers, who embarked, some at London, others at Bristol, 
in 1681, for America, and arrived at Upland, now Chester, on 
the 11th December. Penn, with many of his friends, chiefly 
from Sussex, England, sailed for America, and landed at New 
Castle on the 27th October, 1682, where he was received with 
demonstrations of joy. Penn went to Upland, where he con- 
vened an assembly, December 4th; and in a brief session of 
three days enacted several important laws, one of which was 
an act to naturalize the Dutch, Swedes, and other foreigners. 

The same year that Penn arrived, there was quite an acces- 
sion. The two n^.xt succeeding years, settlers from London, 
Bristol, Wales, HoRand, Germany, &c., arrived to the number 
of fifty sail; among these were German Quakers from Cres- 
heim, near Worms in the Palatinate. The banks of the Dela- 
ware was one bustling scene — some lodged in the woods in 
hollow trees, some in caves, which were easily dug on the high 



INTRODUCTION. 15 

banks of the Wissahickon and the Delaware, and others in 
haste erected huts.* 

To do justice, secure the smiles of the Indians, and to meet 
the approbation of Heaven, Penn held treaties of peace and 
friendship with the tawny sons of the forest, and contracted 
with them for their lands— this done, he proceeded to lay out 
a city, by the assistance of his surveyor. Gen. Thomas Holme. 
Eighty houses were erected, the first year, in Philadelphia. 
Next was a survey of lands for the first settlers — this having 
been completed, the Proprietary, in 1682, divided the coxmtry 
into six counties — three in the territory of Delaware ; namely, 
New Castle, Kent, and Sussex ; three in the provmce of Penn- 
sylvania; namely, Philadelphia, Buck, and Chester; the first 
and last, embracing all, and much more, of the land within the 
present limits of Berks and Lebanon. 

Penn remained but a short, time on his first arrival ; he sailed 
for Europe, August 16, 1684, leavmg the province under the 
government of five commissioners, chosen from the Provincial 
council; however, previous to his departure, he made a league 
of amity with nineteen Indian nations, between them and all 
the'English America .f In 1699, Penn again visited the colony, 
and remained only till November 1st, 1701, when he returned 
to England, where he died July 80th, 1718, at Rushcomb, near 
Twyford, in Buckinghamshire, aged about seventy-four years. 
In 1712, he had been seized with some fits of the appoplectic 
kind, which for the last six years of his life, had rendered him 
incapable of doing public business. 

* Proud II, 220. f Oldmixon. 



CHAPTER II. 



THE INDIANS. 



When the Europeans first discovered the American continent, 
they erroneously applied the name, Indians, to the indigenes 
that inhabited the "New World," This name was given to 
the aborigines of America, under a mistaken notion of having 
arrived, as Colmnbus supposed, at the eastern shore of the con- 
tinent of India. The erroneous application of this name was 
not discovered till it had so obtained, that a change could not 
have been conveniently made. However, in a historical point, 
it is to be regretted that the name of the indigenes, as well as 
the name of the continent which they inhabited, should have 
been misapplied. The name of the continent should have been 
derived from Columbus, the discoverer of the New World, in- 
stead of Americus. 

The writer of tliis sketch of the Indians that inhabited the 
portion of Pennsylvania, comprising all wdthin the present limits 
of the counties of Berks and Lebanon, does not deem it compa- 
tible with the plan of this work, to give "probable theories" 
concerning the origin of the aborigines of the western continent. 
By what means the Indians got from the old world to the new, 
has never been satisfactorily answered, by all the numerous, 
long, and laborious disquisitions that have appeared from able 
pens, since the discovery of America in 1492, to the present 
time. Among the modern theorists who have written upon 
the peopling of America, the following are the leading ones, 
and to whose works the reader who wishes to inform himself 
on this subject, is referred: St. Gregory, Herrera, T. Morton, 
Wilhamson, Wood, Tosselyn, Thorowgood, Adair, R. William- 
son, C. Mather, Hubbard, Robertson, Smith, Voltaire, Mitchill, 
McCulloh, Lord Kaim, Swinton, Cabrera, Jefferson, Heckewel- 
der, Drake, Flint, and others. 

When the Swedes arrived in this country and settled on the 
shores of the Delaware, and also when the EngHsh landed in 
1681, they found a numerous race of Indians, who met the 
strangers in a friendly manner ; and when, the following year, 
William Penn, with his train of pacific followers arrived, he 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 17 

also, with his friends, was affectionately hailed. He was treated 
as liieir Miquon, or elder brot/ier.^^ 

At the time of Perm's arrival there were not less than ten 
native tribes in Pennsylvania, comprising about six thousand in 
number; these, however, formed only a portion of the Indians 
inhabiting the country between Virginia and Canada; those 
who were principally seated on the Delaware, were the Lenni 
Lenape, and were considered the grandfathers of near forty 
tribes. The others were the Mengwe, or usually called Iro- 
quois, who inhabited the more northern portion of the United 
States. The Iroquois were also divided into numerous tribes. 

According to popular tradition, the numerous tribes of the 
Delawares and Iriquois, trace their origin to two sources. The 
traditions, as handed down by their ancestors run thus: — The 
Lenni Lenape, or for brevity's sake, "Zencrpc," meaning, Tha 
original people, were an unmixed and unchanged race, residing, 
many centuries ago, towards the setting of the sun — somewhere 
in the west of this continent. For some reasons, not exr 
plained, they determined to migrate towards the rising of the 
sun. After their journeying they arrived at the Fis/i Biver, 
the JVamasi Sipu; (Mississippi,) here they fell in with a nation, 
also in quest of a new home eastv.'ard — these were the Meng- 
w^e, or Iroquois, as they have since been called. They here 
united their forces, anticipating opposition from a people of 
gigantic form, and a populous race, the Alligewi, on the east of 
the Mississippi. Not many days, after their union, before they 
advanced, many and mighty battles were fought — the AlliwTgi 
to escape total extermination, abandoned the country to the 
people of " The JVew Union," fled far southward, and never 
returned. The victors now divided the spoil — the country was 
shared out between themselves — the Iroquois made choice of 
the north — lands in the vicinity of the great lakes, and on their 
tributary streams ; the Lenape took possession of more southern 
parts, where they hved in peace for many years till the Euro- 
peans came. 

The Lenape; or, as they were called by the Europeans, Dela- 
wares, were divided into three tribes — the Unamis, or Turtle; 
the Wunalachtikos, or Turkey ; and the Minsi, or Wolf. " The 
Minsi or Monceys, the most warlike of the three tribes, inha- 
bited a country that extends from the Minisink on the Dela- 
ware, to the Hudson on the east, to the Susquehannah on the 
southwest, to the head waters of the Delaware and Susquehan- 



18 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

nah rivers on the north, and to that range of hills now known 
in New Jersey by the name of Muskenecum, and by those of 
Lehigh and Coghnewago in Pennsylvania." 

The Monceys embraced a number of subordinate tribes,, 
who were known by names derived from their residence, or 
some accidental circumstance. Such were the Susquehannas, 
Neshamines, Conestogas, and other tribes in the province of 
Pennsylvania, on Penn's arrival. The limits of this chapter 
Anil not admit of a further detail of the several smaller tribes. 
This part of the narrative will therefore be closed by an extract 
from one who was a man of more than ordinary observation, 
and whose opportunity to make them correctly, was not sur- 
passed by any of those who have written on the Indians at the 
time of the first settlements made in the province of Pennsylva- 
nia. An occasional remark will be introduced. 

Extract of a letter from William Penn, Proprietor and Gover- 
nor of Pennsylvania, to the committee of traders of that the 
Province, residing in London, dated, Philadelphia, the 16th 
of the sixth month, called August, 1683. 

"The natives I shall consider, in their persons, language, 
manners, religion, and government, with my sense of their ori- 
ginal. 

" For their persons, they are generally tall, straight, well-built, 
and of singular proportion; they tread strong and clever, and 
mostly walk with a lofty chin. Of complexion, black, but by 
design, as the Gypsies, in England, they grease themselves 
with bear's fat, clarified ; and using no defence against the sun, 
or weather, their skin must needs be swarthy. Their eye is 
little and black, not imhke a straight-looked Jew. The thick 
lip, and flat nose, so frequent with the East Indians and blacks, 
are not common to them; for I have seen as comely European- 
like faces among them, of both, as on your side the sea ; and 
truly, an Italian complexion hath not much more of the white ; 
and the noses of several of them have as much of the Roman. 

"Their language is lofty, yet narrow; but, like the Hebrew, 
in signification, full; like short-hand, in writing, one word 
serveth in place of three, and the rest are supphed by the 
understanding of the hearer : imperfect m their tenses, wanting 
in their moods, participles, adverbs, conjunctions, and interjec- 
tions. I made it my business to imderstand it, that I might 
not want an Interpreter on any occasion ; and I must say, that 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 19 

I know not a language spoken in Europe, that hath words of 
more sweetness, or greatness, in accent and emphasis, than 
theirs; for instance, Odocockon, Rancocas, Oridon, Shak, 
Marian, Poqiiesion, which are all the names of places; and 
have grandeur in them. Of words of sweetness, Anna, is 
mother; Issimus, a brother; JWtcap, friend; Usqiierot, very 
good ; Pa7ie, bread ; Metso, eat ; Malta, no ; Hatta, to have ; 
Payo, to come; S-passen, Passijon, the names of places; Ta- 
mane, Secane, Menansc, Secatereus, are the names of persons; 
if one asks them for any thing they have not, they will answer, 
Matta ne hatta, which, to translate, is, not I have, instead of, 
I have not." 

According to Heckewelder and others, there appear to have 
been four principal Indian languages, which branched out in 
various dialects. These were the Karalit spoken by the Green- 
landers and Esquimaux — the Iroquois, spoken by the Six J\''a- 
tions, from which many and various dialects prevail — -the Flo- 
ridian, spoken by all the southern Indians, and the Lenape or 
Delaware, the most widely extended of all of those languages 
which were spoken on this side of the Mississippi. The Iro- 
quois was the next. 

Those skilled in the Delaware, tell us the pronunciation is 
quite easy. An extract from a translation of John's espistles, 
by C. F. Dencke, as a specimen of the Delaware is presented. 

Pennamook ! elgiqui penundelukquonk Wetochwink, wdaoal- 
towoagon, wentschi hewilchqussiank Gettanittowit wtlamemen- 
semall. Guntschi matta woachgussiwuneen untschi pemhaka- 
mixitink, eli pemhakamixit taku wohaq Patamawossall. 

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon 
us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore, the 
world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 

The letters /, v, ph, and r, are wanting in their alphabet. 
The Iroquois or Six Nations have the letter r. The following 
is the Lord's prayer in that language. 

Soungwauncha, cam-ounkyauga, tehseetaroan, saulwoneyou- 
sta, es a, sawaneyou, okettauhsela, elmeawoung, na, cau/oun- 
kyauga, nugh, wonshauga, neattewehnesalauga, taugwaunau- 
toronoantoughsick, toantangweleewheyoustaung, cheneeyent, 
chaquatautaleywheyoustaunna, toughsan, langwassareneh, ta- 
wantottenaugaloughtoungga, nasawne, sacheautaugwass, con- 
tehsalohaunzaikaw, esa, sawauneyou, esa, sashantzta, esa, soun- . 
gwasoung, chenneauhaungwa, anwen. 



20 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANi>N COUNTIES. 

Their language is highly figurative. Tlioy are fond, says 
Heckewelder, of metaphors. They are to lluir discourse what 
feathers and beads are to their persons, a g:i\vdy but tasteless 
ornament. The following specimens will a Ih 1 1 1 an idea of their 
metaphors. The sky is overcast with dark blusiering clouds; 
meaning, We shall have trouble some times; we .shall have war. 
Ji black cloud has arisen yonder — War is threatened from that 
quarter, or from that nation. Two black clouds are draioing 
towards each other — Two powerful enemies are drawing to- 
wards each other. The j)ath is already shut up — Hostilities 
have commenced, . the war is begun. The rivers run with 
blood — War rages in the country. To bury the hatchet — To 
make or conclude a peace. To lay down the hatchet, or to slip 
the hatchet under the bedstead — To cease fighting for a while, 
during a truce. You did not make me strong — You gave me 
nothing. The stronger you make me, the more you will see 
me — -The more you give me, the more I will do for you. You 
now speak from the heart — ^Now you mean wdiat you say. Fwt 
keep me in the dark — You deceive me. You stopped my ears — 
You did not wish me to know it. Mow I believe you — Done ! 
agreed ! It shall be so ! Your words have penetrated into my 
heart! — I consent I am pleased with what you say. You have 
spoken good words — I am pleased with what you say. Sing- 
ing birds — Tale-bearers, liars. DonH listen to the singing of 
birds ivhich fly by — Don't believe what stragglers tell you. 
To kindle a council fire at such a place — To appoint a place 
where to transact national business. DonH look the other way — 
Don't join with those. Look this way — Join our party. / 
have not room to spread my blanket — I am too much crowded 
on. / will place you under my wings — I will protect you at 
all hazards ! Suffer no grass to grow on this war path — Carry 
on the war with vigor. The paih to that nation is again open 
— We are again on friendly terms. I am much too heavy to 
rise at this present time—1 have too much property ! (corn, 
vegetables, &,c.) / will pass one night yet at this place — I 
will stay one year yet at this place. I'o bury the hatchet be- 
neath the root of a tree — To put it quite out of sight. To bury 
injuries done, deep in the earth — To consign injuries done, to 
oblivion. One night's encamptment — A halt of one year at a 
place. 

"Of their customs and manners there is much said. I will 
begin with children : So soon as they are born they wdsh them 
in w^ater ; and while very young, and in cold weather, they 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 21 

plunge them in the rivers to harden and embolden them> 
Having wrapped them in a clout, they lay them on a strait, 
thin board, a little more than the length and breadth of the 
child, and swaddle it fust, upon the board, to make it straight; 
wherefore all the Indians have flat heads; and thus they carry 
them at their backs. The children will go, very young, at nine 
months commonly; they wear only a small clout round their 
waste, till they are big; if boys, they go a fishing, till they are 
ripe for the woods, which is about lifteen; then they hunt: 
and after having given some proofs of their manhood, by a good 
return of skins, they may marry ; else it is a shame to think of 
a wife. The girls stay with their mothers and help to hoe the 
groimd, plant corn, and carry burdens; and they do well to 
use them to that, young, which they must do when they are 
old ; for the mvcs are the true servants of the husbands, other- 
wise the men are very affectionate to them. 

"When the young women are fit for marriage they wear some- 
thing upon their heads for an advertisement ; but so as their 
faces are hardly seen, but when they please. The age they 
marry at, if women, is about thirteen and fourteen; if men, 
seventeen and eighteen; they are rarely older. 

" Their liouses are mats, or barks of trees set on poles, in the 
fiishion of an English barn ; but out of the power of the winds : 
for they are hardly higher than a man; they lie on reeds, or 
grass. In travel, they lodge in the woods, about a great lire, 
with the mantle of duffils, they wear by day, wrapped about 
them, and a few boughs stuck around them. 

" Their diet is maize or Indian corn, divers ways prepared : 
sometimes roasted in the ashes, sometimes beaten and boiled 
with water, which they call homine ; they also make cakes, not 
unpleasant to eat. They have likewise several sort of beans 
and peas that are good nourishment; and the woods and rivers 
are their border. 

"If an European come to see them, or calls for lodging at their 
house or wigwam, they give him the best place and first cut. 
If they come to visit us, they salute us with an Itah; which is 
as much as to say. Good be to you, and set them down ; vrhich is 
mostly on the ground, close to their heels, their legs upright; 
it may be, they speak not a word, but they observe all pas- 
sages. If you give them any thing to eat or drink, well ; for 
they will not ask ; and be it little, or be it much, if it be with 
kindness, they are well pleased ; else they go away sullen, but 



23 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

" They are great concealers of their own resentment ; brought 
to it, I believe, by the revenge that hath been practised among 
them. In either of these they are not exceeded by the Ita- 
lians. A tragical instance fell out since I came into the coun- 
try : A king's daughter thinking herself slighted by her hus- 
band, in suffering another woman to lie down between them, 
rose up, went out, plucked a root out of the ground and ate it ; 
upon which she immediately died ; and for which, last week, he 
made an offering to her kindred for atonement and liberty of 
marriage ; as two others did to the kindred of their wives, who 
died a natural death. For, till widowers have done so, they 
must not marry again. Some of the young women are said to 
take undue liberty before marriage, for a portion; but when 
married, chaste. When with child they know their husbands 
no more till delivered ; and during their month they touch no 
meat ; they eat but with a stick, lest they should defile it ; nor 
do their husbands frequent them till that term be expired. 

"But, in liberality they excel; nothing is too good for their 
friend. Give them a fine gun, coat, or any thing, it may pass 
twenty hands before it sticks ; fight of heart, strong affection, 
but soon spent. The most merry creature that lives, feast and 
dance perpetually; they never have much, nor want much; 
wealth circulates like the blood ; all parts partake ; and though 
none shall want what another hath, yet exact observers of pro- 
perty. Some kings have sold, others presented me with seve- 
ral parcels of land ; the pay or presents I made them were not 
hoarded by the particular owners; but the neighboring kings 
and their clans being present when the goods were brought out, 
the parties chiefly concerned, consulted what, and to whom 
they should give them. To every king then, by the hands of 
a person for that purpose appointed, is a proportion sent, so 
sorted and folded, and with that gravity that is admirable. 
Then that king subdivides it, in like manner, among his depen- 
dants ; they hardly leaving themselves an equal share of their 
subjects ; and be it on such occasion as festivals, or at their 
common meals, the kings distribute, and to themselves last. 
They care for little, because they want but little; and the rea- 
son is, a fittle contents them. In this they are sufficiently re- 
venged on us; if they are ignorant of our pleasures, they are 
also free from our pains. They are not disquieted with bills 
of lading and exchange, nor perplexed with chancery suits, and 
exchequer reckonings. We sweat and toil to five ; their plea- 
sure feeds them; I mean their hunting, fishing, and fowling; 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 23 

'and their table is spread every where. They eat twice a day, 
morning and evening; their seats and table are the ground. 
Since the European came into these parts, they are great lovers 
of strong liquor, rum especially ; and for it they exchange the 
richest of their skins and furs. If they are heated with liquor, 
they are restless till they have enough to sleep ; that is their 
cry, some more, and I will go to sleep ; but w'hen drunk, one 
of the most wretched creatures in the world ! 

"In sickness impatient to be cured, and for it give every thing, 
especially for their children, to w^hom they are extremely natu- 
ral. They drink at those times, a iei-an, or decoction of some 
roots in spring water; and if they eat any flesh, it must be of 
the female of any creature. If they die they bury them with 
their apparel, be they man or woman; and the nearest of kin 
fling in something precious with them, as a token of their love ; 
their mom'ning is blacking of their faces, which they contmue 
for a year. They are choice of the graves of their dead ; for, 
lest they should be lost by time, and fall to common use they 
pick off the grass that grows upon them, and heap up the fallen 
earth, with great care and exactness. 

" These poor people are under a dark night in things relating 
to religion, to be sure the tradition of it; yet they believe 
a God and immortality, without the help of metaphysics; for, 
they say, there is a Great King that made them, who dwells 
in .a glorious country to the southward of them; and that the 
souls of the good shall go thither, where they shall live again. 
Their worship consists of two parts, sacrifice and cantico. 
Their sacrifice is their first fruits; the first and fattest bucks 
they kill goeth to the fire, where he is all burnt, with a mourn- 
ful ditty of him that performeth the economy; but w4th such 
marvellous fervency and labor of body, that he will even sweat 
to a foam. The other part is their cantico, performed by round 
dance, sometimes words, sometimes songs, then shouts; two 
being in the middle that begin; and, by singing and drumming 
on a board, direct the chorus. Their postures in the dance are 
very antick and differing, but they all keep measure. This is 
with equal earnestness and labor, but great appearance of joy. 
In the fall when the corn comes in, they begin to feast one an- 
other. There have been two great festivals already, to which 
all come that will. I was at one myself: their entertainment 
was a great feast by a spring, under some shady trees, and 
twenty bucks with hot cakes of new corn, both wheat and 
beans ; which they make up in a square form, in the leaves of 



24 HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

the steam and bake them in the ashes; and after that they fall 
to dance. But they that go must carry a small present, in their 
money; it may be sixpence; which is made of the bone of a 
fish, the black is with them, as gold ; the white, silver ; they 
call it wampum." 

Conrad Weiser's letter to a Friend respecting the Indians views 
on the subject of rehgion ; showing that they have a strong 
confidence in the overruling Providence of God. 

Heidelhurg, Berks co., 1746. 
Esteemed Friend: — I write this in compliance Avith thy 
request, to give thee an account of what I have observed among 
the Indians, in relation to their belief and confidence in a Divine 
Being, according to the observations I have made, from 1714, 
in the time of my youth, to this day. 

If, by the word religion, people mean an assent to certain 
creeds, or the observance of a set of religious duties; as ap- 
pointed prayers, singing, baptism, or even Heathenish worship, 
then it may be said, the Five Nations and their neighbors, have 
no religion. But, if by religion, we mean an attraction of the 
soul to God, whence proceeds a confidence in, a hunger after, 
the knowledge of Him, then this people must be allowed to have 
some religion among them, notwithstanding their sometimes 
savage deportment. For we find among them some traces of 
a confidence in God alone; and, even, sometimes, though but 
seldom, a vocal calling upon Him: I shall give one or two 
instances of tliis, that fell under my own observation. 

In the year 1737, I was sent, the first time, to Onondaga, at 
the desire of the Governor of Virginia ; I departed in the latter 
end of February, very unexpectedly, for a journey of five hun- 
dred English miles, through a wilderness, where there was 
neither road nor path, and at such a time of the year, when 
animals could not be met with for food. There were with me, 
a Dutchman and three Indians. After we had gone one hun- 
dred and fifty iniles on our journey, we came to a narrow val- 
ley, about half a mile broad and thirty long, both sides of which 
v/ere encompassed with high mountains; on which the snov/ 
laid about three feet deep: in it ran a stream of water, also 
about three feet deep, which was so crooked that it kept a con- 
tinued winding from one side of the valley to another. In order 
to avoid wading so often through the water, we endeavored to 
pass along the slope of the moimtain ; the snow being three 



• HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 25 

feet deep, and so hard frozen on the top that we walked upon 
5t : but we were obliged to make holes in the snow with our 
hatchets, that our feet might not slip down the mountain ; and 
thus we crept on. It happened that the old Indian's foot slipped, 
and the root of a tree by which he held breaking, he slid down 
the mountain, as from the roof of a house ; but happily he was 
stopped in his fall, by the string which fastened his pack, hitch- 
ing on the stump of a small tree. The two Indians could not 
go to his aid, but our Dutch fellow-traveller did ; yet not with- 
out visible danger of his own life. I also could not put a foot 
forward, till I was helped ; after this we took the first oppor- 
tunity to descend into the valley, which was not till after we 
had labored hard for half an hour with hands and feet. Having 
observed a tree lying directly off from where the Indian fell, 
when we were got into the valley again, we went back about 
one hundred paces, where we saw, that if the Indian had slipped 
four or five paces further, he would have fallen over a rock one 
hundred feet perpendicular, upon craggy pieces of rocks below. 
The Indian was astonished, and turned quite pale; then, with 
outstretched arras, and great earnestness, he spoke these words : 
'■^ I thank the great Lord and Governor of this world, in that 
he has had m?rcy upon mc, and has been willing that I should 
live longer.'' Which words I, at that time, put down in my 
journal: this happened on the 25th of March, 1737. 

On the 9th of April following, while we were yet on our 
journey, I found myself extremely weak, through the fatigue of 
so long a journey, with the cold and hunger, which I had suf- 
fered; there having fallen a fresh snow about twenty inches 
deep, and we being yet three days journey from Onondago, in 
a frightful wilderness, my spirit failed, my body trembled and 
shook; I thought I should fill down and die; I stepped aside, 
and sat down under a tree, expecting there to die. My com- 
panions soon missed me; the Indians came back and found me 
sitting there. They remained awhile silent; at last, the old 
Indian said : " My dear companion, thou ha^t hitherto encour- 
aged us, wilt thou now quite give up? remember that evil days 
are better than good days; for when v^e suffer much we do 
not sin; sin will be driven out us by suffering, and God caimot 
extend his mercy to them; but contrary wise, when it goeth 
evil with us, God hath compassion on us." These words made 
rae ashamed; I rose up, and travelled as well as I could. 

The next year, (1738,) I went another journey to Onon- 
o 



26 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNXIIl^. 

dago, in company with Joseph Spangenberger, and two others. 
It happened that an IncUan canii to us in the evening, who had 
neither shoes, stockings, shirt, gun, knife, nor hatchet ; in a 
word, he had nothing hut an old torn blanket, and some rags. 
Upon enquiring whither he was going, he answered to Onon- 
dasfo, I knew him, and asked him how he could undertake a 
journey of three hunth-ed miles so naked and unpoverished, 
having no provisions, nor arms, to kill animals for his suste- 
nance .' He answeretl, he had been among enemies, and had 
been obliged to save himself by flight ; and so had lost all ; for 
he had disposed of some of his things amang the Irish, for 
strong hquors. Upon further talk, he told me very cheerfully, 
"That God formed every thing, which had life, even the rattle- 
snake itself, though it was a btid creature; and that God would 
also provide, in such a manner, that he should go thither; that 
it was visible God was with the Indians in the wilderness, be- 
cause they always cast their care upon him; but that, contrary 
to this, the Europeans always carried their bread with them." 
He was an Onondigo Iniim; his name was Ono)itai^-keta — the 
next day we travelled ia com niny; and the day following I 
provided him with a knif^, hatchet, Hint, tinder, also shoes and 
stockings, and seat him before m^, to give notice to the coun- 
cil at Onon Ligo, that I wascomi.ig; which he truly performed, 
being got thither three days b_'fo;e i.s. 

Two years ago, I was s^nt by the Governor to Shamokin, 
on account of tae unh ip oy death of John Armstrong, the In- 
dian trader, (1744.) After I ha 1 performed my errand, there 
was a feast prepared, to which the Governor's messengers 
were invited; there were abiit one hundred persons present; 
to who n, after we ha I in great silence, devoured a fat bear, the 
eldest of the chiefs mi L- a speecli, in which he said: "That, by 
a great misfor'tane, th'-ee of the bretbren,. the white mzn, had 
been killed by an Indian; that nevertheless the sun was not 
set, (meaning there wis no war,) it had only been somewhat 
darkened by a small cloud, which was now done away; he that 
had doie evil was hke to be punished, and the land to remain 
in peace: ther -ibre, he exh:);ted his people to thankfulness to 
GjI; and the;\^fore he be^ai to sing with an awful solemoity, 
but without expressing any words; the others accompanied 
him with their voices: afcer they had done, the same Indian 
with great earnestness of fervour, spoke these words: " Thanks, 
thinks, hz to /'.;;?, thou gnat Lord of the world, in thit thou 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 27 

hast again caused the sun to shine, and hast dispersed the dark 
cloud — the Indians are thine^ 

"Their government is by Kings, which they call Sachcma; 
and those by succession, but always of the mother's side. For 
instance, the children of him, who is now king, will not suc- 
ceed, but his brother, by the mother, or the children of his sis- 
ter, whose sons, and alter them the children of her daughters 
will reign, for no w^oman inherits. The reason, they render for 
this way of descent is, that their issue may not be spurious. 

"Every King hath his council; and that consists of all the 
old and wise men of his nation; which, perhaps, is two hun- 
dred people. Nothing of moment is undertaktn, be it war, 
peace, selUng of land, or traffick, without advising with them; 
and, which is more, with the young men too. It is admirable 
to consider how powerful the kings are, and yet how they 
move by the breath of their people. I have had occasicn to 
be in council with them, upon treaties for land, ar.d to adjust 
the terms of trade. Their order is this: The king sits in the 
middle of an half moon, and hath his council, the old and wise, 
on each hand; behind him, or at a little distar.ce, sit the yoing, 
or fry, in the same figure. Having consulted and resolved their 
business, the king ordered one of them to speak to me ; he stood 
up, came to me, and, in the name and authoiity of his King, 
saluted me, then took me by the hand, and told me, he was 
ordered by his king to speak to me, and that now it was not 
he, but the king that spoke, because what he should say was 
the king's mind. He first prayed me, "To excuse them, that 
they had not complied with me, the last time ; he fearcfl there 
might be some fault in the Interpreter, being neither Indian ror 
Enghsh: beside it was the Indian custom to dehberate and take 
up much time in council, before they resolved; and that if the 
young people and owners of the land had been as ready as he, 
I hatl not met with so much delay." Having thus introduced 
his matter, he fell to the bounds of the land they had agreed 
to be disposed of, and the price, which now is little and dear; 
that which would have bought twenty miles, not buying now 
two. During the time that this person spoke, not a man of 
them w^as observed to whisper or smile; the old, grave; the 
young, reverent in their deportment. They spoke little, but 
fervently, and with elegance. I have never seen more natural 
{Sagacity, considering them without the help, (I. was going to 



28 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

say) the spoil of tradition; and he will deserve the name of 
wise that outwit them, in any treaty, about a thing they under- 
stand. When the purchase was agreed, great promises passed 
between us, of kindness and good neighborhood, and that the 
Indians and English must live in love as long as the sun gave 
light. Which done, another made a speech to the Indians, in 
the name of all the Sachamakers or kings; first to tell them 
what was done, next to charge and command them, " To love 
the Christian, and particularly live in peace with me and the 
people under my government ; that many Governors had been 
in the river, but that no Governor had come himself to live and 
stay here before ; and having now such an one that had treated 
them well they should never do him, or his, any wrong." At 
every sentence of which they shouted, and said. Amen, in their 

" The justice they have, is pecuniary. If they commit any 
wrong or evil, be it murder itself, they atone by feasts, and pre- 
sents of their wampum ; which is proportioned to the quality of 
the offence, or persons injured, or of the sex they are of. For, 
in case they killed a woman, they pay double; and the reason 
they render is, that she breedeth children, which men cannot 
do. It is rare that they fall out, if sober ; and, if drunk, they 
forgive it, saying, " It was the drink and not the man that 
abused them." 

"We have agreed that in all differences between us, six of 
each side shall end the matter. Do not abuse them, but let 
them have justice, and you do win them. The worst is, that 
they are the worse for the Christians, who have propagated 
their vices, and yielded them tradition for ill, and not for good 
things. But as low an ebb as these people are at, and as in- 
glorious as their own condition looks, the Christians have not 
outlived their sight, with all their pretensions to an higher 
manifestation. What, good then, might not a good people graft, 
where there is so distinct a knowledge left between good and 
evil? I beseech God to incline the hearts of all that come into 
these parts, to outlive the nations, by a fast obedience to their 
greater knowledge of the will of God; for it were miserable 
indeed for us to fall under the just censure of the poor Indian's 
conscience, while we make profession of things so far transcend- 
ing. 

" For their original, I am ready to believe them of the Jewish 
race ; I mean, of the stock of the ten tribes ; and that, for the 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 29 

following reasons: First, they were to go to a "land not 
planted, nor known;" which, to be sure, Asia and Afiica were, 
if not Europe; and He that intended that extraordinary judg- 
ment upon them, miglit make the passage not uneasy to thtm, 
as it is not impossible in itself, from the easternmost parts of 
Asia to the westernmost of America. 

"In the next place, I find them of the like countenance, and 
children of so lively resemblance, that a man would think him- 
self in Duke place, or Jierry street, London, when he seeth 
them. But this is not all; they agree in rite; they reckon by 
moons; they otl'er thtir fiist fiuits; they have a kird of feast 
of tabernacles; they are said to lay their altar on twelve stcnes; 
their mourning a year; customs of wcmen, with many other 
things, that do not now occur." 

Peter Kalm, the Swedish natural philosopher, a great tra- 
veller and a clear observer, visited this country, in 1748, wrote 
a work, in which he gives a minute account of them. An ex- 
tract, it is thought, will not Le out of place here. Speaking of 
ihk'iv food and tnode of Ihinf, he sajs: 

Maize, (Indian cori^,) seme kinds of Leans, r,nd melons, made 
up the sum of the Indian's gaidti.ing. Iheir chief support 
arose frcm hunting and fishing. Lesides these, the oldest 
Svveiles, related that the Irdiars weie rccustcrced to get nour- 
ishment from the following plants, lo wit: 

Ilopniss, so called by the Irdii.ns, ard also by the Swedes, 
(the Glycine Aj)ios ci' LirnjEis,) they loLi d in tie meadows. 
The roots lestmbled } otalces, ai d veie eaten boiled, instead of 
bread. 

Katniss, so calk d by the Indians and Swedes, (a kind of 
Sagittaria sagittifolia,) was frii.d in lew wet ground; had cb- 
long roots i.early i;s laige r.s the fist; this they boiled or roasted 
in the ashes. Several Swedes said they like to eat of it in their 
youth. The ho^s j1- ( d lln m mi eh, and made them very scarce. 
Mr. Kalm, who ale of them, thought ihey tr.sted like ] ctatoes. 
When the Indians fiist saw tuirijs, they called them katniss, 
too. 

Ta\v-ho, so caikil by the Indians and SwTdes, (the Arum 
Virginicum, or Wakerobir', and poisonous!) grew in moist 
ground, and swamps; they ate the root of it. The roots grewr 
to the thickness of a man's thigh; and the hogs rooted them 
up and elevoured them eagerly. The Indians destroj ed their 

poisonous quahty by baking them. They made a long trench 

9* 



30 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COTNTIES. 

in the ground, put in the roots and covered them with earthy 
and over them they made a great fire. They tasted somewhat 
like potatoes. 

Taw-kee, so called by the Indians and Swedes, (the Oron- 
tium Aquaticum,) grew plentifully in moist low grounds. Of 
these they used the seed, when dried. These they boiled re- 
peatedly to soften them, and then they ate somewhat like 
peas. When they got butter and milk from the Swedes, they 
boiled them together. 

Bilberries, or whortleberries, (a species of Vaccinium,) was a 
common diet among the Indians. They dried them in the sun, 
and kept them parched as close as currants. 

Of their implements for domestic or field use. The old 
boilers or kettles of the Indians were either made of clay, or of 
different kinds of pot-stone, (Lapis Ollaris.) The former con- 
sisted of a dark clay, mixed with grains of white sand or quartz, 
and probably burnt in the fire. Many of these kettles had 
two holes in the upper margin ; on each side one, through which 
they passed a stick, and held therewith the kettle over the fire. 
[t is remarkable that none of these pots have been found glazed 
either inside or outside. A few of the old Swedes could remem- 
ber to have seen the Indians use such pots to boil their meat 
in. They were made sometimes of a grayish pot stone; and 
some were made of another species of a pyrous stone. They 
were very thin. Mr. Bartram, the botanist, showed him an 
earthen pet, which had been dug up at a place where the In- 
dians had lived. On the outside it was much ornamented. Mr. 
Bartram has also several broken pieces. They were all made 
of mere clay, in which were mixed, according to the conve- 
nience of the makers, pounded shells of snails and muscles, or 
of the crystals found in the mountains; it was plain, they did 
not burn them much, because they could be cut up with a knife. 
Since the Europeans have come among them, they disuse them, 
and have even lost the art of making them. 

The hatchets of the Indians were made of stone, somewhat 
of the shape of a wedge. This was notched round the biggest 
end, and to this they aflixed a split stick for a handle, bound 
round with a cord. These hatchets could not serve, however, 
to cut any thing like a tree ; their means, therefore, of getting 
trees for canoes, &c., was to put a great fire round the roots of 
a big tree to burn it off, and with a wet swab of rags on a pole 
to keep the tree constantly wet above until the fire below burnt 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 31 

it off. When the tree was down, they laid dry branches on 
the trunk and set fire to it, and kept swabbing that part of the 
tree which they did not want to burn; thus the tree burnt a 
hollow in one place only ; when burnt enough, they chipped or 
scraped it smooth inside with their hatchets, or sharp flints, or 
sharp shells. 

Instead of knives, they used little sharp pieces of flints or 
quartz, or a piece of sharpened bone. 

At the end of the arrows they fastened narrow angulated 
pieces of stone; these were commonly flints or quartz. Some 
made use of the claws of birds and beasts. 

They had stone pestles of about a foot long and five inches 
in thickness; in these they pounded their maize. Many had 
only wooden pestles. The Indians were astonished beyond 
measure, when they saw the first windmills to grind corn. They 
were, at first, of opinion that not the wind, but spirits within 
them gave them their momentum. They would come from a 
great distance, and set down for days near them, to wonder 
and admire at them! 

The old tobacco pipes were made of clay or pot stone, or 
sepertine stone, and were seen chiefly with the Sachems. Some 
of the old Dutchmen, at New York, preserved the tradition that 
the first Indians seen by Europeans made use of copper for 
their tobacco pipes, got from the second river, near Elizabeth 
river. In confirmation of this, it was observed that the people 
met with holes w^orked into the mountains, out of which some 
copper had been taken ; and they even found some tubes which 
the Indians probably used for the occasion. They usedbird's 
claws instead of fishing-hooks ; the Swedes saw them sucSeed- 
in this w^ay. 

" The Indians made their ropes, bridles, and twine for nets, 
out of a wild weed, growing abundantly in old corn fields, com- 
monly called Indian hemp, (i. e., Linum Yirginianum.) The 
Swedes used to buy fourteen yards of the rope for a loaf of 
bread, and deemed them more lasting in the water than 
that made of true hemp. Mr. Kalm himself saw Indian wo- 
men rolling the filaments of this plant upon their bare thighs, to 
make of them thread and strings, which they dyed red, yellow, 
black, &c. 

" The Indians at first were much more industrious and labo- 
rious, and before the free use of ardent spirits, attained to a 
great age. In early time they were every where spread about 



32 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

among the Swedes. They had no domestic animals among" 
them before the arrival of the Europeans, save a species of little 
dogs. They readily sold their lands to the Swedes for a small 
price. Such tracts as would have brought $400 currency in 
Kalm's time, had been bought for a piece of baize or a pot of 
brandy I 

The Indians told Kalm, as their tradition, that when they 
saw the first European ship on their coast, they were perfectly 
persuaded that Manitto, or God himself, was in the ship; but 
when they first saw the negroes, they thought they were a true 
breed of devils. 

"The last of the Lenape, (Delaware,) nearest resident to Phi- 
ladelphia, died in (.'hester county, in the person of "Old Indian 
Hannah," in 1803. She had her wigwam many years upon 
the Brandywine, and used to travel much about, sellirg her 
baskets, &c. On such occasions she was often followed by her 
dog and pigs — all stopr ing where she did. She lived to be 
nearly a humh'ed years of age— had a proud ard lofty s]i;it to 
the last— hated the blacks, and scarcely brooked the lower 
order of whites; her family before her,' hsd dwelt with other 
Indians in Kennet township. She often spoke emphatically of 
the wrongs and misfortunes of her race, uj on w hem her ailec- 
tions still dwelt. As she grew old, she quitted her solitude, 
and dwelt in fiiendly feimihes. 

"As late as 1705, the Shawnese had their wigwams at the 
Beaver pond, near Carlisle, Cumberland county; and as late as 
1760, Doctor John, living in Cailisle, Avith his wife and two 
children, were cruelly muideied, by persons i:i known. He 
was a chief. The governor offered $100 rewarct." 

" Present st^te and refuge of the Indians. — The Indian na- 
tion of the Delawarcs— our proper Indians — was once one of 
the most numerous and powerful tribes, but are now reduced 
to aliout four or five hundred souls, and scattered among otlier 
tribes. The chief place, according to Watson, whei^e they now 
hold any separate character and community, is at the river 
Thames, (1830,) in Upper Canada, about seventy miles from 
Detroit, where they settled about the year 1793. — Watsoiv's 
^nnals. 



CHAPTEE III. 

MURDERS COMMITTED BY THE INDIANS. 

In the year 1744, open hostilities were declared between 
Great Brittain and France, which involved not only the mother 
country, but also the colonies ; and, of course, Pennsylvania, 
that had up to this time enjoyed tranquilhty, now began to feel 
the effects of the war between France and England. Shortly 
after the declaration of hostility between those great rival na- 
tions, the French hovered along the great lakes, and succeeded 
in their machinations to a orreat extent in seducino; the Indians 
from their allegiance to the English. Many of the Indians, 
being dissatisfied with the English on account of their lands, 
went over to the French, and the affairs of the colonies changed 
aspects on Braddock's defeat, in 1755. From that period, tiU 
1764, Berks and Lebanon counties were scenes of murder and 
burning of houses, &c. The apprehensions of those who feared 
the consequences of Braddock's defeat, were shortly realized. 
Governor Robert Morris, in his message of July 24, 1755, 
to the Assembly, has the followhig language in relation to the 
defeat: "This unfortunate and unexpected change in our 
affairs deeply effect every one of his majesty's colonies, but 
none of them in so sensible a manner as this province, while 
having no militia, is thereby left exposed to the cruel incursions 
of the French and barbarous Indians, who delight in shedding 
human blood, and who make no distinction as to age or sex — 
as to those that are armed against them, or such as they can 
surprise in their peaceful habitations — all are alike the objects 
of their cruelty — slaughtering the tender infant, and frightened 
mother, with equal joy and fierceness. To such enemies, spurred 
by the native cruelty of their tempers, encouraged by their late 
success, and having now no army to fear, are the inhabitants 
of this province exposed ; and by such must we now expect to 
be overrun, if we do not immediately prepare for our own de- 
fence; nor ought we to content ourselves with this, but resolve 
to drive to and confine the French to their own just limits."* 

The following extracts from the official documents at Har- 
* ''otes Ass. 4, 416. 



34 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

risbui'g, and the Gazettes of that da}', as well as copies from 
original manuscript letters, written at the time, will attord some 
idea of the extent of depredations and murders committed upon 
the frontier inhabitants, coming legitimately within the bounds 
of that portion of territory, of which a history is attempted. 

A brief narrative of the incursions anti ravages of the French 
and Indians, in the Province of Pennsylvania, made by the Sec- 
retary of the Province, at Philadelphia, 27th December, 1755. 
Provincial Records, N. p. 340-2. 

October 15, 1755, a party of Indians fell upon the inhabi- 
tants on Mahahany (or Penn's) creek, that runs into the river 
Susquehannah, about live miles lower than the Great Fork made 
by the juncture of the two main branches of the Susquehannah, 
killed and carried off about twenty-five persons, and burnt and 
destroyed their buildings and improvements, and the whole set- 
tlement was deserted." — Provincial Records, N. 340. 

A petition to Governor Morris, from inhabitants on the west 
side of the Susquehannah, is presented here, to show the alarm- 
ing condition of the settlers in that part of the province, at the 
time alluded to in the Secretary's narrative. 

"We, the subscribers, near the mouth of Penn's creek, on 
the w^est side of the Susquehanna, humbly show, that on or 
about the 16th inst., (October, 1755,) the enem_y came down 
upon said creek and killed, scalped, and carried away all the 
men, women, and children, amounting to twenty-five in num- 
ber, and w^ounded one man, who fortunately made his escape, 
and brought us the news, whereupon the subscribers went out 
and buried the dead, whom we found most barbarously murdered 
and scalped. 

" We found but thirteen, who w^ere men and elderly women ; 
and children we suppose to be carried away prisoners. The 
house where we suppose they finished their murder, we found 
burnt up ; and the man of it, named Jacob King, a Swisser, 
lying just by it. He lay on his back, barbarously burnt, and 
two tomahawks sticking in his forehead ; one of those raaiked 
newly with W. D. — we have sent them to your honor. The 
terror of which, has driven away almost all the back inhabi- 
tants, except the subscribers, with a few more wdio are willing 
to stay and endeavor to defend the land ; but as we are not all 
able of ourselves to defend it for the want of guns and ammu- 
nition, and but few in number, so that without assistance, we 
must flee and leave the country to the mercy of the enemy. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 35 

"We, therefore, humbly desire it, that your honor would 
take the same into consideration, and order some speedy relief 
for the safety of these back settlements, and be j^leased to give 
us speedy orders what to do. 

" George Gliwell, Gates Auchmudy, John McCalion, Abi-a- 
ham Soverkill, Edmund Matthews, Mark Curry, William Do- 
ran, Dennis Mucklehenny, John Young, John Simmons, George 
Snabble, George Aberheart, Daniel Braugh, George Lynn, and 
Gotfried Fryer."* 

In continuation of the Secretary's narrative, he adds: "Octo- 
ber 23, 175-3, forty-six of the inhabitants on Susquehannah, 
went to Shamokin to enquire of the Indians there, who they 
were who had so cruelly fallen upon and ruined the settlements 
on Mahahony creek; on their return from Shamokin, they were 
fired upon by some Inilians who lay in ambush, anfl lour were 
killed, four drowned, and the rest put to flight, on which all 
the settlements, between Shamokin and Hunter's Mill, for the 
space of fifty miles along the river Susquehannah, were deserted." 
—Prov. Rec. N. 340. 

The following letters from John Harris, of Harris's Ferry, 
(Harrisburg,) and other gentlemen, to Governor Morris, will 
cast some additional light upon this point. 

Paxton, October- 20, 1755. 
May it please your Honor — 

I was informed last night, by a person that came down our 
river, that there was a Dutch (German) woman, who made 
her escape to Geo.-ge Gabriel's, and informs us that last Friday 
evening, on her way home from this settlement on Mahahony, 
or Penn's creek, where her family lived, she called at a neigh- 
bor's house, anil saw tvv'o persons lying by the door of said 
house, murdered and scalped ; and these were some Dutch 
(German) f unilies that Hved near their places, immediately left, 
not thinking it safe to stay any longer. It is the opinion of the 
people up the river, that the families on Penn's creek being 
scattered, that but few in number are killed or carried off, ex- 
cept the above said woman, the certainty of which will soon 
be known, as there are some men gone out to bury the dead. 

By report this evening, I was likewise informed by the belt 
of wampum and these Indians here, there were seen, near Sha- 

* Provincial Reiuirtls, N. p. 24'2-3. Votes of Assembly 4, 495. 



36 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

mokin, about six days ago, two French Indians of the Cana- 
wago tribe. I a little doubted the truth of the report at first; 
but the Indians have seemed so afraid, that they despatched 
messengers immediately to the mountains above my house, to 
bring in some of their women that were gathering chestnuts, for 
fear of their being killed. 

By a person just arrived down onr river j bring information 
of two men being murdered within five miles of George Ga- 
briel's, four women carried off, and there is one man wounded 
in three places who escaped to Gabriel's, and it is imagined that 
all the inhabitants on Penn's creek and Little Mahahony, are 
killed or carried off, as most of them live much higher up, where 
the first murder was discovered. The Indian warriors here 
send you these two strings of white wampum, and the wo- 
men the black one, both requesting that you would lay by 
all your council pipes, immediately, and open all your eyes 
and ears and view your slain people in this land, and to put a 
stop to it immediately, and come to this place to our assistance 
without any delay; and the belt of wampum particularly men- 
tions that the proprietors and your honor would immediately 
act in defence of their country, as the old chain of friendship 
now is broken by several nations of Indians, and it seems to be 
such as they never expected to see or hear of. Any delay on 
our acting vigorously now at this time, would be the loss of 
all Indian interest, and perhaps our ruin in these parts. 

I am your honor's 

Most obedient servant, 

John Harris. 

P. S. I shall endeavor to get a number of my neighbors to 
go out as far as the murder has been committed ; and, perhaps, 
to Shamokin, to know the minds of the Indians, and their opin- 
ions of these times, and to get what intelligence I can from 
them, and to encourage some of their young men to scout about, 
back of the frontiers, to give us notice of the enemy's approach, 
if possible, at any time hereafter. I heartily wish your honor 
and the assembly, would please to agree on some method at 
this time towards protecting this province, as this part of it 
seems actually in danger now; for should but a company of In- 
dians come and murder, but a few fiimilies hereabouts, which 
is daily expected, the situation we are in would oblige num- 
bers to abandon their plantations, and our cattle and provisions, 
which we have plenty of, must then fall a prey to the enemy. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 37 

Our Indians here seem much discouraged at the large num- 
'ber of famihes passing here, every day, on account of the late 
murders done on the Potomack, and will be much more so, if it 
should happen to be our case. There were two Indian women 
set out from here two days ago, for the Ohio, to bring some of 
their relations (as they say) down here ; and should the French, 
or their Indians hear by them, as they will be enquiring for 
news, the effect that their late murders has had among our in- 
habitants, it will be a matter of encouragement to them.* 
I conclude, your honor's 

Most obedient and must humble servant, 

John Harris. 



Paxioiij October 28, 1755. 
To Governor Morris. 

May it please your Honor — 

This is to acquamt you, that on the 24th of October, I ar- 
rived at Shamokin, in order to protect our frontiers up that 
way, till they might make their escape from their cruel ene- 
mies, and to learn the best intelHgences I could. The Indians 
on the west branch of Susquehannah, certainly killed our in- 
habitants on Mr. Penn's creek, and there are a hatchet and 
two English scalps sent by them up the north branch to desire 
them to strike with them, if they are men. 

The Indians are all assembling themselves at Shamokin, to 
council ; a large body of them was there four days ago. I can- 
not learn their intentions ; but it seems Andrew Montour and 
Monacatootha are to bring down the news from them. There 
is not a sufficient number of them to oppose the enemy; and, 
perhaps, they will join the enemy against us. There is no 
dependance on Indians, and we are in imminent danger. 

I got certain information from Andrew Montour, and others, 
that there is a body of French with fifteen hundred Indians 
coming upon us. Picks, Ottaways, Orandox, Delawares, 
Shawanese, and a number of the Six Nations; and are now, not 
many day's march from this Province and Virginia, which are 
appointed to be attacked ; at the same, some of the Shamokin 
Indians seemed friendly, and others appeared Hke enemies. 

' "Provincial Records, N. p. 241-2. Votes of Assembly 4, 495 

4 



88 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANDN COUNTIES. 

Montour knew many days of the enemy being on their marcli 
against us, before he informed me ; for which I said as much to 
him, as I thought prudent, considering the place I was in. 

On the 25th of this instant, on my return with about forty 
men, at Mr. Perm's creek, we were attacked by about twenty 
or thirty Indians — received their fire, and about fifteen of our 
men and myself took to the trees and attacked the villains, 
killed four of them on the spot, and lost but three men ; retreat- 
ing about half a mile through woods, and crossing Susquehannah, 
one of whom was shot off an horse riding behind myself, through 
the river* My horse before me was wounded, and failing in 
the river, I was obliged to quit him, and swim part of the way. 

Four or five of our men were drowned crossing the river. I 
hope, our journey, though with fatigue, and loss of our sub- 
stance, and some of our lives, will be of service to our country, 
by discovering our enemy, who will be our ruin, if not timely 
prevented. 

I just now received information that there was a French of- 
ficer, supposed a captain, with a party of Shawanese, Dela- 
wares, &c., within six miles of Sharaokin, two days ago ; and no 
doubt, intends to take possession of it, which will be a dread- 
ful consequence to us, if suffered. Therefore, I thought pro- 
per to despatch this messenger to imform your Honor. The 
Indians here, I hope, your Honor, will be pleased to cause 
them to be removed to some place, as I do not like their com- 
pany ; and as the men of those here were not against us, yet 
did them no harm; or else I would have them all cut off the 
old belt of wampum promised at Shamokin ; to send out spies 
to view the enemy, and upon his hearing of our skirmishes, was 
in a rage; gathered up thirty Indians immediately and went in 
pursuit of the enemy, I am this day informed. 

I expect Montour and Monacathootha down here this week, 
with the determination of their Shamokin council. The inha- 
bitants are abandoning their plantations, and we are in a dread- 
ful situation.* 

I am your Honor's 

Most obedient and humble servant, 

John Harris. 

P. S. The night ensuing our attack, the Indians burnt all 
George Gabriel's houses — danced around them. 

•Provincial Records, N. p. 247-8. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 39 

Extract from the Provincial Records, N. p. 243: I, Thomas 
Foster, Esq., Mr. Harris, and Mr. McKee, with upwards of 
forty men, went up the 23d inst., (October, 1755,) to Captain 
McKee, at New Providence, in order to bury the dead, lately 
murdered on Mahahany creek; but understanding the corpse 
were buried, we then determined to return immediately home. 
But being urged by John Sekalamy, and the Old Belt, to go up 
to see the Indians at Shamokin, and know their minds, we went 
on the 24th, and staid there all night — and in the night, I 
heard some Delawares talking — about twelve in number — to 
this purpose: " What are the English come here for?" Says 
another : " To kill us, I suppose ; can we then send off some of 
our nimble young men to give our friends notice that can soon 
be here?" They soon after sang the war song, and four In- 
dians went off, in two canoes, well armed — the one canoe went 
down the river, and the other across. 

On the morning of the 25th, we took our leave of the In- 
dians and set off homewards, and were advised to go down the 
east side of the river, but fearing that a snare might be laid on 
that side, we marched off peaceably, on the west side, having 
behaved in the most civil and friendly manner towards them 
while with them; and when we came to the mouth of Mahahany 
creek, we were fired on by a good number of Indians that lay 
among the bushes; on which we were obliged to retreat, with 
the loss of several men ; the particular number I cannot exactly 
mention ; but I am positive that I saw four fall, and one man 
struck with a tomahawk, on the head, in his flight across the 
river. As I understood the Delaware tongue, I heard several 
of the Indians that were engaged against us, speak a good 
many words, in that tongue, during the action. 

Adam Terrance. 

The above declaration was attested by the author's volun- 
tary qualification, no magistrate being present ; at Paxton, this 
26th October, 1755, before us. 

John Elder, Thomas McArthur, Michael Graham, Alex* 
McClure, Michael Teass, William Harris^ Thomas Black, 
Samuel Lenes, Samuel Pearson, William McClure. 

N. B. Of all our people that were in the action, there ar^ 
but nine that are yet returned. 



40 HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

A Letter to Governor Morris from Conrad Weiser. 

Reading, October 22, 175o. 
Honored Sir: 

I take this opportunity to inform you, that I received news 
from Shamokin, and that six families have been murdered on 
Jolm Penn's creek, on the west side of the Susquehannah ; about 
four miles from the river, several people have been found scalped, 
and twenty-eight or more missing. The people are in great 
consternation, and are coming dow^n, leaving their plantations 
and corn behind them. Two of my sons are gone up to help 
down one of their cousins with his family. 

I hear of more that will defend themselves ; but George Ga- 
briel the people down here seem to be for ourselves, and say : 

The Indians will never come this side the Susquehannah river ; 
but I fear they will, since they meet with no opposition any 
where. I do not doubt, your Honor has heard of this melan- 
choly affair before now, by the way of Lancaster, perhaps 
more particularly ; yet, I thought it my duty to inform you of it ; 
and when my sons come back, I will write again, if they bring 
any thing particular. 

I have heard nothing of the Indians that have gone up to 
fight against the French on the Ohio; their going, I fear, has 
been occasion of this murder. I have notliing more to add, but 
am. Honored Sir, 

Your very humble servant, 

Conrad Weiser, 



Letter to Governor Morris from Conrad Weiser. 

Heidelberg, in the county of Berks, \ 

October 26, 1755, at 5 o'clock, Sunday evening. ) 
Sir: 

Just now, two of my sons, Frederick and Peter, arrived from 
Shamokin, where they have been to help down their cousin 
with his family. I gave them orders before they went, to bring 
me down a trusty Indian or two, to inform myself of the pre- 
sent circumstances of the Indian affairs ; but they brought none 
down ; they saw Jonathan, but he could not . leave his family* 
in these dangerous times. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 41 

While they were at George Gabriel's, a messenger came 
from Shamokin, sent by James Logan, one of Shickelamy's 
sons, and Capachpitan, a noted Delaware, always true to the 
English, to let George Gabriel know that they had certain in- 
telligence, that a great body of French and Indians had been 
seen on their march towards Pennsylvania, at a place where 
the Zinaghton river comes out of the Allegheny hills, and that 
if the white people will come up to Shamokin and assist, they 
will stand the French and fight them. 

They say, that now they want to see their brethrens faces, 
and well armed with smooth guns — no rifled guns, which re- 
quire too much cleansing. They, in particuLir, desired the 
company of men gathered at George Gabriel's — Capt. McKee'g. 
and John Harris's men — they being informed that people had 
gathered there — and that they are extremely concerned on 
account of w^hite people running away, and said, they alone 
could not stand the French. 

The message was delivered' to George Gabriel, and to about 
ten whites more, among whom were my two sons, by a Dela** 
ware Indian, named Enoch, and a white man called Lawrence 
Eook, who came with the Indians as a companion. The In- 
dian messenger that brought the news, from the Indians living, 
up the river Zinaghton, (the north-west branch of the Susque- 
hannah,) arrived at Shamokin, at midnight, upon the 23d of 
this inst. The Indians are extremely concernec?, as my sons 
tell me, that the people are coming away in a great hurry — 
the rest that stay are plundering the houses and making the 
best of peoples' misfortunes. 

The French want to see Jonathan taken prisoner, &c. AH 
this is in great hurry. I pray, good sir, don't slight it. The 
lives of many thousands are in the utmost danger. It is no 
false alarm. 

I am, dear sir, your humble and 

obedient servant,- 
Conrad Weiser. 

P. S. If a body of men would go up, they could gather 
plenty of Indian corn, beef, and other provisions. Now every 
thing is in the utmost confusion. I suppose in a few days: 
hence, not a family will be seen on the other side of Kittatiny 
hills. 

4* 



42 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 



Ji Letkr to James Read^ Esq., at Reading, from Conrad Weiser, 

Heidelberg, Octoher 26, at 11 o^clock, ) 
Sunday night, 1755. \ 
Mr. James Read, 
Loving Friend : 

About one hour ago, I received the news of the enemy 
having crossed the Susquehannah, and killed a great many peo- 
ple, from Thomas McKee's down to Hunter's mills. 

Mr. Elder, the minister at Paxton, wrote to another Presby- 
terian minister, in the neighborhood of Adam Reed, Esq. The 
people were then in a meeting, and immediately designed to get 
themselves in readiness, to oppose the enemy, and lend assist- 
ance to their neighbors. 

Mr. Reed sent down to Tulpehocken — and two men, one that 
came from Mr. Reed's, are just now gone, who brought in the 
melancholy news. I have sent out to alarm the townships in 
this neighborhood, and to meet me early in the morning, at 
Peter Spicker's, to consult together what to do, and to make 
preparations, to stand the enemy, with the assistance of the 
Most High. 

I wrote you this, that you may have time to consult with 
Mr. Seely and other well-wishers of the people, in order to de- 
fend your lives and others. For God's sake let us stand 
together, and do what we can, and trust to the hand of Provi- 
dence — perhaps, we must, in this neighborhood, come to Read- 
ing ; but I will send armed men to Susquehannah, or as far as 
they can go for intellisrence. 

Pray let Sammy hav«5 a copy of this, or this draft for his 
Honor, the Governor. I laave sent him, about three hours ago, 
express to Philadelphia, and he lodges at my son Peter's. De- 
spatch him as early as you can, I pray, beware of confusion, 
be calm, you and Mr. Seely, and act the part of fathers of the 
people. I know you are both able; but excuse me for giving 
this caution — time requires it.* 

I am dear sir. 

Your very good friend and 

Humble servant, 
Conrad Weiser. 

* Provincial Records, N. p. 244-5. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 43 

From the following letter, it will be seen that Weiser's let- 
ter was immediately despatched as requested. 

Reading, October 27th, 1755, 
6 o'clock, A. M. 
Governor Morris, 
Sir, 
I must not detain the bearer a moment. I have sent the 
oiiginal letter from Mr. Weiser, that no mistake may arise by 
any doubts of the justness of a copy. 

I shall raise our town in an hour, and use all prudent mea- 
sures for our defence. I could wish your Honor could order 
us two or three swivel guns and blunderbusses, with a few 
muskets, some powder, and swan shot. Nothing shall be want- 
ing in me, who have the misfortune of being major of two asso- 
ciated companies; but know not how my people will behave, 
as they are under an infatuation of an extraordinary sort.* 
I am, may it please your Honor's 

Most humble servant, 

James Read. 
P. S. Many wagons that are got thus far, are bound back 
again, immediately upon hearing this news. 



Letter to Gov. Morris, from Conrad Weiser, Esq. 

Reading, October 21th, 1755. 
May it please your Honor — 

Since the date of my last letter, which I sent by express, by 
Sammy Weiser, dated last Sunday evening, 5 o'clock, and 
about 11 o'clock, the same night, I sent a letter to Mr. Read, 
in this town, who forwarded it to your Honor, by the same 
opportunity. 

The following account of what has happened since, I thought 
it was proper to lay before your Honor, to wit: — After I had 
received the news that Paxton people above Hunter's mills, 
had been murdered, I immediately sent my servants to alarm 
the neighborhood. The people came to my house by the break 
of day. I informed them of the melancholy news, and how I 

* Provincial Records, N. p. 244-5. 



44 HISTORY OP BERKS AND L-EBANON COUNTIES, 

came by it, &c. They unanimously agreed to stand by one 
another, and march to meet the enemy, if I would go with 
them. I told them that I would not only myself accompany 
them, but my sons, and servants should also go— they put 
themselves under my direction. I gave them orders to go 
home and fetch their arms, whether guns, swords, pitch-forks, 
axes, or whatever might be of use against the enemy, and to 
bring with them three days provision in their knapsacks, and 
to meet at Benjamin Spicker's, at three of the clock that after- 
noon, about six miles above my house, in Tulpehocken town- 
sliip, where I had sent word for Tulpehocken people also to 
meet. 

I immediately mounted my horse, and weni up to Benjamin 
Spicker's, where I found about one hundred persons who had 
met before I came there ; and after I had informed them of the 
intelligence, that I had promised to go with tliem as a common 
soldier, and be commanded by such officers, and leading men, 
whatever they might call them, as they should choose. They 
unanimously agreed to join the Heidelberg people, and accord- 
ingly they went home, to fetch their arms, and provisions for 
three days, and came again at 3 o'cl(ick. All this was punc- 
tually performed; and about two hundred were at Benjamin 
Spicker's, by two o'clock. 

I made the necessary disposition, and the people were divided 
into companies of thirty men in each company, and they chose 
their own officers; that is, a captain over each company, and 
three inferior officers under each, to take care of ten men, and 
lead them on, or lire, as the captain should direct. 

I sent privately for Mr. Kurtz,* the Lutheran minister, who 
lived about one mile off, who came and gave an exhortation to 
the men, and made a prayer suitable to the time. Then we 
inarched towards Susquehannah, having first sent about fifty 
men to Tolheo, in order to possess themselves of the gaps or 
narrows of Swahatawro,j where he expected the enemy would 
come through ; with those fifty, I sent a letter to Mr. Parsons, 
who happened to be at his plantation. 

We marched about ten miles that evening. My company 
had now increased to upwards of three hundred men, mostly 
well-armed, though about twenty men had nothing but axes, 
and pitch-forks — all unanimously agreed to die together and 

* Kurtz lived where Rev. Daniel Ulrich resides at present, 1844.. 
-j- Swatara. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 45 

engage the enemy, wherever they should meet them; never to 
enquire the number, but fight them, and so obstruct their way 
of marching further into the inhabited parts, till others of our 
brethren come up and do the same, and so save the lives of 
our wives and our children. 

The night we made the first halt, the powxler and lead was 
brought up from Reading, (I had sent for it early in the morn- 
ing,) and I ordered it to the care of the officers, and to divide 
it among those that wanted it the most. 

On the 28th, by daybreak, we marched; our company in- 
creasing all along. We arrived at Adam Reed's, Esq., in 
Hanover township, Lancaster (now Lebanon) county, at about 
ten o'clock — there we stopped and rested till the rest came up. 
Mr. Read had just received inteUigence from Susquehannah, by 
express, which was as follows, to wit: That Justice Forster, 
Capt. McKee, John Harris, and others, to the number of forty- 
nine, went up to Shamokin to bury the dead bodies of those 
that had been killed by the enemy on John Pemi's creek, and 
coming up to George Gabriel's, about five miles this side Sha- 
mokin, and on the west of Susquehannah, they heard that the 
dead bodies had been buried already, and so they went along 
to Shamokin, where they arrived last Friday evening, and were 
seemingly well received, but found a great number of strange 
Indians, the Delawares, all painted black, which gave suspi- 
cion; and Thomas JNIcKee told his companions that he did not 
like them, and the next morning — that is, last Saturday — they 
got up early, m order to go back; but they did not see any of 
the strangers. They were gone before them. Andrew Mon- 
tour was there, painted as the rest; he advised our people not 
to go the same road they came, but to keep on this side the 
Susquehannah, and go the old road; but when they came to 
the parting of the roads, a majority was for going the nighest 
and best road, and so crossed Susquehannah, contrary to An- 
drew Montour's counsel, in order to go down on the west side 
of the river, as far as to Mahahany ; when they came to John 
Penn's creek, in going down the bank, they were fired upon 
from this side by the Indians that had waylaid them; some 
dropped down dead; the rest fled and made towards Susque- 
hannah, and came to this side, and so home, as well as they 
could. Twenty-six of them were missing and not heard of as 
yet, last Monday. 

Upon this we had a consultation, and as we did not come up, 



46 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

to serve as guards to the Paxton people, but to fight the enemy, 
if they were come so far, as we first heard, we thought best to 
return and take care of our own townships. 

After I had given the necessary caution to the people to 
hold themselves in readiness, as the enemy was certainly in the 
country, to keep their arms in good order, and so on, and then 
discharged them — and we marched back, with the approbation 
of Mr. Reed. By the way, we were alarmed, by a report, that 
five hundred Indians had come over the mountain at Tolheo, to 
this side, and had already killed a number of people. We 
stopped and sent a few men to discover the enemy, but, on their 
return, proved to be a false alarm, occasioned by that company 
that I had sent that way the day before, whose guns getting 
wet, they fired them off, which was the cause of alarm — this 
not only had alarmed the company, but whole townships 
through which they marched. In going back, I met messen- 
gers from other townships about Conestoga, who came for in- 
telUgence, and to ask me where their assistance was necessary, 
promising that they would come to the place where I should 
direct. 

I met also at Tulpehocken, above one hundred men well- 
armed, as to fire arms, ready to follow me ; so that there were 
in the whole, about five hundred men in arms that day, all 
marching up towards Susquehannah. I, and Mr. Adam Reed, 
comited those that were with me — we found them three hun- 
dred and twenty. 

I cannot send any further account, being uncommonly fa- 
tigued. I should not forget, however, to inform your Honor, 
that Mr. Reed has engaged to keep proper persons riding be- 
tween his house and Susquehannah, and if any thing material 
shall occur, he will send me tidings to Heidelbreg or to Read- 
ing, which I shall take care to despatch to you. I find that 
great care has been taken at Reading, to get the people to- 
gether, and near two hundred were here yeste.ulay morning; 
but upon hearing that the people attending me, were discharged, 
the people from the country went off without consulting what 
should be done for the future, through the indiscretion of a 
person who was with them, and wanted to go home ; and near 
the town they met a large company coming up, and gave such 
accounts as occasioned their turning back. I think most of the 
inhabitants would do their duty ; but without some military re* 
gulations, we shall never be able to defend the province. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 47 

I am sure we are in great danger, and by an enemy that can 
travel as Indians, we may be surprised when it would be im- 
possible to collect any number of men together to defend them- 
selves, and then the country would be laid waste. I am quite 
tired, and must say no more than that* 

I am your Honor's 

Most obedient servant, 

Conrad Weiser. 

Under date of October 31, 1755, the Secretary, states: *' An 
Indian trader and two other men, in Tuscarora valley, were 
killed by Indians, and their houses, &c,, burned ; on which most 
of the settlers fled and abandoned their plantations. Nov. 2, 
1755, the settlements in the Great Cove were attacked, their 
houses burned, six persons murdered, and seventeen carried oif, 
and the whole settlement broken up and destroyed." 

From the following extract, taken from the Pennsylvania 
Gazette, of Nov. 13, 1755, the names of the murdered and 
missing at Great Cove, may be seen — Elizabeth Gallway, 
Henry Gilson, Robert Peer, William Berryhill, and David 
McClelland were murdered. The missing are John Martin's 
wife and five children; William Gallway 's wife and two chil- 
dren, and a young woman; Charles Stewart's wife and two 
children; David McClelland's wife and two children. William 
Fleming and wife were taken prisoners. Fleming's son, and 
one Hicks, were killed and scalped." 

The inhabitants of Berks county were kept in a state of con- 
sternation from the time they had received intelligence of the 
massacre of the people on Penn's creek ; and every day's news 
added to their alarm, as may be seen from the following com- 
munication sent to Governor Morris. 

Reading, October 31, 1755, \ 

At 8 o'clock at night. ) 
May it please your Honor — 

We have scarce strength left to write. We are forever em- 
ployed, and without clerks. We have within one hour received 
letters from Justice Forster, from Mr. James Galbreath, and 
John Harris, by several messengers, with the accounts that the 
people at Auckwick and Juniata are cut off, and among others 
* Provincial Records, N. p. 249-251. 



48 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

George Croghan. The date of Mr. Foster's letter is the 29th 
inst,, Mr. Galbreath's the 30th ; but Harris's is, through con- 
fusion, not dated. 

We cannot find clerks ; we cannot write ourselves any thing 
of considerable length. We must, therefore, depend upon it, 
that we shall be credited without sending copies ; and originals 
we must keep to convince the unhappily scrupulous of the truth 
of our accounts. 

We are all in an uproar — all in disorder — all willing to do, 
and have little in our power. We have no authority — no com- 
mission — no officers practiced in war, and without the comise- 
ration of our Friends m Philadelphia, who think themselves 
vastly safer than they are. If we are not immediately sup- 
ported, we must not be sacrificed ; and therefore, are determined 
to go down with all that will follow us to Philadelphia, and 
quarter ourselves on its inhabitants, and w^ait our fate with 
them.* 

We are your Honor's most 

Obedient, humble servants, 
John Potts, 
Conrad Weiser, 
William Maugridge, 
Jonas Seely, 
James Reed. 
P. S. Mr. Bird was obliged to go home, or would certainly 
have signed this. 

Towards the close of October, the enemy neared the borders 
of Berks county. A letter from William Parsons to the Rev. 
John Nicholas Kurtz, at Tulpehocken, shows this. 

October Zlst, 1755. 
To the Rev. Kurtz and all other Friends: 

This morning, very early, between four and five o'clock, 
Adam Rees, an inhabitant over the first mountain, about six 
miles from Lawrance Hout's, who lives on this side of the 
mountain, came to my house, and declared, that yesterday, be- 
tween 11 and 12 o'clock, he heard three guns fired towards the 
plantation of his neighbor, Hemy Hartman, which made him 
suspect that something more than ordmary had happened there. 
Whereupon he took his gun and went over to Hartman's house, 
* Provincial Records, N. p. 257. 



HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 49 

being about a quarter of a mile off, and found him lying dead 
upon his face ; his head was scalped ; but saw no body else. 
He thereupon made the best of his way through the woods to 
the inhabitants on this side of the mountain, to inform them of 
what had happened. 

He further informs me, that he had been to Adam Reed's, 
Esq., and related the whole of the affair to him, and that Reed 
is raising men to go over the mountain in quest of the mur- 
derers.* 

I am your very 

Humble servant and most 

Hearty Friend, 

Wm. Parsons. 



Jlnother Letter from William Parsons to Mam Reed, Esq. 

Stoney Kiln, JVovember 1, 1755. 
Sir— 

I wrote you yesterday, that I intended to be with you at 
the unhappy place, where Henry Hartman was murdered ; but 
when I got to the top of the mountain, I met some men, who 
said they had seen two men lying dead ani I scalped, in the Sha- 
mokin road, about two or three miles from the place where we 
were; wherefore, we altered our course, being twenty-six in 
number, and went to the place, and found the two men lying 
dead, about three hundred yards from each other, and all the 
skin scalped off their heads. 

We got a grubbing hoe and a spade, and dug a grave as well 
as we could, the ground being very stony, and buried them 
both in one grave, without taking off' their clothes or examining 
at all their wounds; only we saw that a bullet had gone 
through the leg of one of them. I thought it best to bury 
them, to prevent their bodies from being torn to pieces by wild 
beasts. One of the men had a daughter with him that is yet 
missing; and the other man had a wife, and three or four chil- 
dren, that are also missing. 

I shall be obliged to return home in a day or two, but hope 
to see you sometime about Christmas, and to find my unhappy 
countrymen somewhat relieved from this distressed condition. 
•Provincial Records, N. p. 258. 

5 



50 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

I can't help thinking that it would be well for a good number 
of the inhabitants to go next Monday, and help to bring the 
poor peoples grain and corn to this side the mountain — it will 
help to maintain them, which we must do, if they can't main- 
tain themselves ; and tis very likely those barbarous Indians will 
set fire to, and burn all, if it be not soon secured.* 

I am, Sir, your very humble servant, 

Wm. Parsons. 

In another part of the Secretary's narrative, he states that, 
"November 16th, 1755, a party of Indians crossed the Susque- 
hannah, and fell upon the county of Berks, murdered thirteen 
persons, and burnt a great number of houses, destroyed vast 
quantities of cattle, grain and fodder, and laid waste a large 
extent of country." — Provincial Records. 

The following letters will afford the reader some idea of the 
state of things in Berks at the time. The first is from Mr. E. 
Biddle, to his father, then in Philadelphia. 

Reading, JYovember 16, 1755. 
My Dearest Father: 

I'm in so much horror and confusion, I scarce know what 
I'm writing. The drum is beating to arms — bells ringing — and 
all the people under arms. Within these two hours, we have 
had different, though too certain accounts, all corroborating 
each other! — and this moment is an express arrived and de- 
spatches news from Michael Reis's, at Tulpehocken, eighteen 
miles above this town, who left about thirty of their people en- 
gaged, with about an equal number of Indians, at said Reis's. 
This night we expect an attack. Truly alarming is our situa- 
tion. The people exclaim against the Quakers, and some are 
scarce restrained from burning the houses of those few who are 
in this town. Ohj my country ! my bleeding country I ! 

I recommend myself wholly to the divine God of armies. 
Give my dutiful love to my dearest mother, and my best love to 
brother Jemmy. I am, "honored sir, 

Your affectionate and obedient son, 

Edward Biddle. 
P. S. Sunday, 10 o^clock. — I have rather lessened than ex- 
aggerated our melancholy account. 

•Provincial Records, N. p. 258. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 51 



The following is from Peter Spycker, near the present Stouch- 
town, to Conrad Weiser, then in Philadelphia, on public busi- 
ness. 

Tulpehocken, the 16 JYovember, 1755. 

Conrad Weiser, Esq. 

John Anspack and Frederick Reed came to me and told me 
the miserable circumstances of the people murdered this side the 
mountain. Yesterday the Indians attacked the Watch, killed 
and wounded him, at Derrick Sixth, (Dietrich Six,) and in that 
neighborhood, a great many in that night. 

This morning the people went out to see, and about 10 
o'clock came to Thomas Eower's house, finding a man dead — 
killed with a gun shot. They soon heard a noise of firing 
guns; running to that place, saw four Indians setting on chil- 
dren scalping them — three of the children are dead, two are 
still living, though scalped. Afterwards our people went to 
the Watch-house of Derrick Sixth, where the Indians made 
the first attack. They found six dead bodies; four of them 
scalped ; about a mile on this side of the Watch-house, as they 
came back, the Indians had set fire to a stable and barn ; burnt 
the corn, cows and other creatures — here they found five In- 
dians in a house eating their dinner and drinking rum which 
had been in the house ; two of them were on the outside the 
house. They fired upon them, but without doing execution. 
The Indians have burnt the improvements on four other plan- 
tations. 

I have this account from those above named, and from 
Peter Anspack, Jacob Caderman, Christopher Noacre, Leonard 
Walborn, George Dollinger, and Adam Dieffenbach. 

We are, at present, in imminent danger to lose our lives, or 
estates; pray, therefore, for help, or else whole Tulpehocken 
will be laid waste by the Indians, in a very short time — all the 
buildings will be burned, the people scalped. Do, therefore, 
lose no time to get us assistance. The Assembly may learn 
from this work, what kind, and fine friends the Indians are ! ! 
We hope members of the Assembly will get their eyes opened, 
and manifest tender hearts towards us; and the Governor the 
same. They are, it is hoped, true subjects to our king George 



52 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

II., of Great Britain, or are they willing to deliver us into the 
hands of these cruel and merciless creatures?* 

I am your friend, 

Peter Spycker. 
N. B. The people are fled to us from the HiJls; Peter Ky- 
ser and John Wise are the last. 

Since our last, says the Editor of the Pennsylvania Gazette, 
Nov. 20, 1755, we have had several letters from Berks county, 
advising us of a great deal of mischief done in Tulpehocken by 
the Indians; yesterday a gentleman arrived express from that 
county, who brought with him two scalps, one of a white per- 
son, the other of an Indian — and the following deposition. 

Berks county, Pennsylvania, ss. 

Jacob Morgan, a captain in Col. Weiser's regiment, being 
sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, doth depose 
and say. That on Sunday, the 16th November inst., (1755,) at 
about five o'clock, P. M., he, the deponent, Mr. Philip Wei- 
ser and Mr. Peter Weiser, set out from Heidelberg towards 
Dietrich Six's, to get intelligence of the mischief done at Tol- 
heo, or thereabouts, and to get a number of men to join them 
to go and seek for the persons who were scalped by the Indians; 
and to help in the best manner they could, the poor distressed 
inhabitants. That about nine miles from Mr. Weiser's, they 
found a girl about six years old, scalped, but yet alive, and a 
vast number of people there ; but he know^s not at whose house 
it was, nor the name of the child. That at the request of the 
people there, Mr. Weiser's son and deponent, went back to Mr. 
Weiser's for powder and lead. That at or about 2 o'clock, 
yesterday morning, they were alarmed at Mr. Weiser's with 
an account that the Indians had beset Geoi-ge Dollinger's 
house, and his family were fled ; whereupon Philip Weiser, and 
the deponent, and a person w^hose name deponent does not 
know, set off" immediately, and at Christopher Weiser's, over- 
took a large company, consisting of about one hundred men, 
and with them proceeeed to George Dollinger's and surrounded 
his house, where they found a deal of damage done, and in the 
garden, a child about eight years old, daughter of one Cola, 
lying dead and scalped, which they buried. 
^ * Provincial Records, N. p. 287. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 53 

That the whole company went on to a plantation of Abra- 
ham Sneider, and found in a corn-field the wife of Cola, and a 
child about eight or nine years old, both dead and scalped, and 
in the house they found another child of the said Cola's, about 
ten years old, dead and sealpsd ; but the deponent knows not 
of what sex, either of these two children was. That while 
they were preparing the grave, they were alarmed by the firing; 
of a gun, and flying to their arms, they went (a few staying to. 
take care of the dead) to the place from whence the sound 
came, and about half a mile from the place they came from,, 
they met the company, one of whom had indiscreetly discharged 
his musket, and then went back to bury the dead; in their re- 
turn they found the scalp of a white person. That having 
buried the woman and children, they went to Thomas Bower's 
in whose house they found a dead man scalped, whose name, 
the deponent thinks was Philip, by trade a shoemaker, but 
knows no more of him. 

That the company increased fast, and were now about one 
hundred and thirty men, who marched on the Shamokin road 
to near Dietrich Six's; about half a mile from whose house, 
they found Casper Spring; dead and scalped, and having buried 
him, they marched about one hundred rods and found one Bes- 
linger dead and scalped^ — they buried him. That at the same 
distance from Beslinger's they found an Indian man dead and 
scalped, whicb Indian,, it was generally believed, was- a Dela- 
ware. Mr. Frederick Weiser scalped him the day before. 

That twenty of their body, who had gone a little out of the 
road, about two miles from Dietrich Six's, found (as the depo- 
nent and the rest of the company were informed, and as he be- 
lieves without any doubt) a child of Jacob Wolf — he cannot 
say whether a boy or a girl — which was scalped? Its age the 
deponent does not know, but the father carried it in his arms to 
be buried, as they were informed. That the deponent was in- 
formed, by Mr. Frederick Weiser, that a company, with whom 
he had been the day before, had buried John Leinberger and 
Rudolph Candel, whom they found scalped. 

That the deponent and company finding no more scalped or 
wounded, they returned, being then by the continual arrival of 
fresh persons, about three hundred men, to George Dollinger's.. 
That Casper Spring's brains were beat out; had two cuts in 
his breast; was shot in the back, and otherwise cruelly used„ 
which regard to decency forbids mentioning; and that Beslhi- 

5* 



54 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

ger's brains were beat out, his mouth much mangled, one of his 
eyes cut out, and one of his ears gashed, and had two knives 
lying on his breast. That the whole country thereabouts de- 
sert their habitations, and send away all their household goods. 
The horses and cattle are in the corn-fields, and every thing in 
the utmost disorder, and the people quite despair. And further, 
that he heard of much mischief done by burning houses and 
barns; but not having been where it was reported to have been 
done, he chooses not have any particulars thereof inserted in 
this deposition. 

James Morgan. 
Sworn at Reading, the ISth of JVovemher, 1755, before us. 

Jonas Seely, 
Henry Harry, 
James Read. 
Besides the persons mentioned in the above deposition, one 
Sebastian Brosius was murdered and scalped, whose scalp was 
brought to Philadelphia at the beginning of this week, having 
been taken from an Indian. 

To Governor Morris, from Conrad Weiser. 

Heidelberg, Berks County, ) 
JYovember 19, 1755. j 
Honored Sir: 

On my return from Philadelphia, I met, in the township of 
Amiety, in Berks county, the first news of our cruel enemy 
having invaded the county, this side of the Blue mountain, to 
wdt: Bethel and Tulpehocken. 

I left the papers as they were, in the messenger's hands, and 
hastened to Reading, where the alarm and confusion weie very 
great. I was obliged to stay that night and part of the next 
day, to wit: the 17th inst., and sat out for Heidelberg, where 
I arrived that evening. Soon after, my sons Philip and Frede- 
rick arrived from the pursuit of the Indians, and gave the fol- 
lowing relation, to wit: that on Saturday last, about 4 o'clock 
in the afternoon, as some men from Tulpehocken were going to 
Dietrich Six's places, at the foot of the hill, on the Shamokin 
road, to be on the watch appointed then', they were fired upon 
by the Indians; but none were hurt nor killed. Our people 
were but six in number — the rest being behind — upon which 
our people ran towards the Watch-house, which was about one 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 55 

half mile off; the Indians pursued them, killed and scalped 
several of them. A bold, stout Indian came up to one Chris*- 
topher Ury, who turned about and shot the Indian right 
through his breast. The Inchan dropped down dead, but was 
dragged out of the way by his companions — he was found next 
day, and scalped by our people. 

The Indians divided themselves into two parties. Some 
came this way, to meet the rest gomg to the Watch, and killed 
some of them; so that six of our men were killed that day, and 
a few were wounded. The night following, the enemy at- 
tacked the house of Thomas Bower, on Swatara creek. They 
came, in the dark night, to the house, and one of them put his 
fire-arm through the window, and shot a shoemaker, who was 
at work, dead on the spot. The people being extremely sur- 
prised at this sudden attack, defended themselves by firing out 
of the window^s, at the Indians. The fire alarmed a neighbor, 
who came w^ith two or three men — they fired by the way and 
made a great noise, and scared the Indians away from Bower's 
house, after they had set fii-e to it; by Thomas Bower's dili- 
gent exertions the fire was timely extinguished. Thomas 
Bower, with his family, left tlie house that night, and went to 
his neighbor's, David Sneider, who had come to assist him. 

By eight of the clock, parties came up from Tulpehocken 
and Heidelberg. The first party saw four Indians rumiing off. 
They had some prisoners, whom they scalped immediately.. 
Three children lay scalped, yet aUve; one died since; the other 
two are likely to do well. 

Another party found a woman just expired, with a male child 
lying at her side — both killed and scalped. The woman lay 
upon her face ; my son Frederick turned her about to see who 
she might have been — to his, and liis companions surprise., they 
found a babe of about fourteen days, old, under her, wrapt in a 
small cushion; his nose was quite flat, which w^as set right by 
Frederick, and life was yet in it, and recovered again ! 

Our people came up with two parties of Indians that day, 
but they hardly got sight of them. The Indians ran off imme- 
diately. Either our people did not care to fight them if they 
could avoid it, or, which is more hkely, the Indians were 
alarmed first by the loud noise of our peoples coming, because 
no order was observed. 

Upon the whole there are about fifteen - of our people,' in- 
cluding men, women, and children killed ; and the enemy is not 



56 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

beaten, but scared off. Several houses and barns were burned. 
I have no true account how many. 

We are in a dismal situation — some of the murders were 
committed in Tulpehocken township. The people abandon 
their plantations to within six or seven miles from my house. 
I am now busy to put things in order, to defend my house 
against another attack. 

Guns and ammunition are much wanted here: my sons have 
been obliged to part with most of that which was sent up for 
the use of the Indians. I pray your Honor, will be pleased, if 
it is in your power to send us up a quantity, upon any condi- 
tions. I must stand my ground, or my neighbors will all go 
away, and leave their habitations to be destroyed by the enemy, 
or our own people. This is enough of such melancholy ac- 
counts for this time. I beg leave to conclude. 
That I am, Sir, your 

Very obedient, 

Conrad Weiser. 

P. S. I am creditably informed just now, that one Wolf, a 
single man, killed an Indian, at the same time when Ury killed 
the other; but the body has not been found as yet. The poor 
young man since died of his wound in the abdomen.* 

The savages now fully bent upon fell destruction, continued 
their excursions, and wherever they went, the whites fell vic- 
tims to their relentless cruelty. 

"We hear from Reading, in Berks county, that on Sunday 
last, about nine o'clock at night, the guard belonging to that 
county, about seventeen miles from that town, were attacked by 
some Indians, with whom they exchanged several fires, and put 
them to flight ; that none of the guard were wounded ; though 
one of them had the skirt of his jacket shot away, and that 
they supposed some of the Indians were badly burnt, as they 
heard a crying among them as they ran off; but that the 
guard having spent their ammunition, could not pursue them."t 

The Indians extended their excursions into Northampton, 
when, on the 25th November, 1755, they destroyed a line 
settlement of Moravians, called Gnaden-huetten, on the west 
branch of the river Delaware, killed six of the inmates, burnt 
down their dwelhngs, meeting houses, and all tlieir out-houses, 

• Provincial Records, N, p. 342. 

f Pennsylvania Gazette, Dec. 18, 1755. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 57 

their grain, hay, horses, and upwards of fifty head of cattle 
that were under cover.* 

The Secretary in his narrative, continues — " During Decem- 
ber, 1755, the Indians having been destroying all before them 
in the county of Northampton, and have already burnt fifty 
houses here, murdered above one hundred persons, and are still 
continuing their ravages, murders, and devastations, and have 
actually overrun and laid waste a great part of that county^ 
even as far as within twenty-five miles of Easton, is chief 
town. And a large body of Indians under the direction of 
French officers, have fixed their head quarters within the bor- 
ders of that county, for the better security of their prisoners 
and plunders." 

"This," continues he, "is a brief account of the progress of 
these savages, since the 18th of October, on which day was 
committed the first inroad, ever made, by Indians, upon this 
Province, since its first settlement ; and in consequence of all our 
frontier country which extends from the river Potomack to the 
river Delaware, not less than one hundred and fifty miles in 
length, and between twenty and thirty in breadth, but not fully 
settled, has been descried, the houses and improvements re- 
duced to ashes, the cattle, horses, grain, goods and etfects of 
the inhabitants, either destroyed, burnt or carried off by the In- 
dians — whilst the poor planters, (farmers) with their wives, 
children, and servants, who could get away, being without 
arms, or any kind of defence, have been obliged, in this season 
of the year, to abandon their habitations, naked and without 
support, and thrown themselves upon the charity of the other 
inhabitants within the interior parts of the province, upon 
whom they are a very heavy burthen. 

" Such shocking descriptions are given, by those who have 
escaped, of the horrid cruelties, and indecencies committed by 
the merciless savages, on the bodies of those unhappy wretches,, 
who fell into their hands, especially the women, without regard, 
to sex or age as far exceeds those related of the most abandoned 
pirates! Which has occasioned a general consternation, and 
has struck so great a panic and damp upon the spirits of the 
people, that hitherto, they have not been able to make any con- 
siderable resistance, or stand against the Indians."! 

•Pennsylvania Gazette, Dec. 18, 1755. 
•j-Provincial Records, N. p. 342. 



58 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 



Ji Letter from Valentine Probst to Jacob Levan, Esq., of 
Maxatany. 

February 15, 1756. 
Mr. Levan: 

I cannot omit writing about the dreadful circumstances of 
our township, Albany. The Indians came yesterday morning, 
about eight o'clock, to Frederick Reichelderfer's house, as he 
was feeding his horses, and two of the Indians ran upon him, 
and followed him into a field ten or twelve perches off; but he 
escaped and ran towards Jacob Gerhart's house, with a design 
to fetch some arms. When he came near Gerhart's, he heard 
a lamentable cry. Lord Jesus'. Lord Jesus! — which made him 
run back toward his own house; but before he got quite home, 
he saw his house and stables in flames; and heard the cattle 
bellowing, and thereupon ran away again. 

Two of his children were shot ; one of them was found dead 
in his field, the other was found alive, and brought to Haken- 
brook's house, but died three hours after. All his grain and 
cattle are burnt up. At Jacob Gerhart's they have killed one 
man, two women, and six children. Two children slipped 
under the bed ; one of which was burned ; the other escaped, 
and ran a mile to get to the people. We desire help, or we 
must leave our homes. 

Yours, 

Valentine Probst. — 

Mr. Levan immediately repaired to Albany township, but 
before he reached the scene of horror, additional intelligence 
was received by him, of other murders. In a letter from him 
to James Read and Jonas Seely, of Reading, he says : " When 
I had got ready to go with my neighbors from Maxatany, to 
see what damage was done in Albany, three men, that had seen 
the shocking affair, came and told me, that eleven were killed, 
eight of them burnt, and the other th^ee found dead out of the 
fire. An old man was scalped, the two others, little girls, 
were not scalped." 

From the above, as well as from the following, it will be 
seen that the Indians were marauding in various parts of Berks, 
and the upper part of Lancaster, now Lebanon county, in the 
spring and summer of 1756. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 59 

In March, 1756, the Indians laid the house and barn of 
Barnabas Seitle in ashes, and the mill of Peter Conrad, and 
killed Mrs. Neytong, the wife of Baltser Neytong, and took 
his son, a lad of eight years old, captive. Next morning Sei- 
tle's servant informed Capt. Morgan of the injury done by the 
Indians, whereupon the Captain and seven men went in pursuit of 
the enemy, but did not find any. On his return, he met a per- 
son named David Howell, who told him that when on his way 
to the watch-house, these Indians shot five times at him — the 
last shot he received a bullet through his arm. 

And on the 24th of March, the house of Peter Kluck, about 
fourteen miles from Reading, was set on fire by the savages, 
and the whole family killed — while the flames was still ascend- 
ing, the Indians assaulted the house of one Linderman, in which 
there were two men and a woman, all of whom ran up stairs, 
where the woman was shot dead through the roof. The men 
then ran out of the house to engage the Indians, when Linder- 
man was shot in the neck, and the other through the jacket. 
Upon this Linderman ran towards the Indians, two of whom 
only were seen, and shot one of them in the back, when he fled 
and he and his companion scalped him and brought away his 
gun and knife.* 

About two weeks before the assault upon the house of 
Kluck, the Indians had committed depredations in another part 
of the country. In a copy of a letter, dated March 8, 1756, 
from Hanover township, Lancaster county, now within the 
limits of Lebanon county, it is said, that the morning, before 
(March 8,) Andrew Lycan, who lived over the mountain, was 
attacked by the Indians. He had with him a son, John Lycan, 
a negro man, and a boy and two of his neighbors, John Revolt 
and Ludwig Shut. That Andrew Lycan and John Revolt 
went out early that morning to fodder their creatures, when 
two guns were fired at them, but did not hurt them: upon 
which they ran into the house and prepared themselves for an 
engagement. That then the Indians got under cover of a hog- 
house near the dwelhng house, John Lycan, Revolt, and Shut, 
crept out of the house, in order to get a shot at them; but 
were fired at by the Indians, and all wounded, and Shut in the 
abdomen. That Andrew Lycan saw one of the Indians over 
the hoghouse, and got a little distance from it ; and also saw 
two white men run out of the hoghouse and get a little distance 
* C. Sauer's German Paper, March, 1756. 



00 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

from it. That upon this, our people endeavored to escape ; 
but were pursued by the Indians to the number of sixteen or 
upwards, and John Lycan and Revolt being badly wounded, 
were able to do nothing, and so went off with the negro, and 
left Andrew Lycan, Shut and the boy, engaged with the In- 
dians. That the enemy pursued so closely, that one of them 
came up to the boy and was going to strike his tomahawk into 
him, when Shut turned and shot him dead, and Lycan shot an- 
other, and he is positive that he killed him — saw a third fall, 
and thinks they wounded some more of them. That they being 
now both ill wounded, and almost spent, they sat down on a 
log to rest themselves, and the Indians stood a little way off 
looking at them. 

That one of the said Indians killed was Bill Davis, and two 
others they knew to be Tom Hickman and Tom Hayes, all 
Delawares, and well known in these parts. That all our men 
got into Hanover township, and under the care of a doctor, and 
are hkely to do well; but have lost all they are worth. And 
that the people of that township were raising a number of men 
to go after the enemy. The above people lived twenty-five 
miles below Shamokin, at or near Wiskinisco creek.* 

In another from Hereford township, Eerks county, dated 
March 28, 1756, it is dated, That on the 22d of that month, 
one John Kraushar, and his wife, and William Yeth, and his 
boy, about twelve years old, went to their places to find their 
cattle, and on their return, were fired upon by five Indians, 
who had hid themselves about ten perches from the road, when 
Yeth was mortally wounded in the back; Kraushar's wife was 
found dead and scalped, and had three cuts in her right arm 
with a tomahawk. Kraushar made his escape, and the boy 
w^as carried off by the enemy. That on the 24th March, ten 
wagons went up to JUleTnaengelj to bring down a family with 
their effects; and as they were returning, about three miles 
below George Zeisloff's, were fired upon by a number of In- 
dians from both sides of the road ; upon which the wagoners 
left their wagons and ran into the woods, and the horses fright- 
ened at the firing and terrible yelling of the Indians, ran down 
a hill and broke one of the wagons to pieces. That the enemy 
killed George Zeisloff and his wife, a lad of twenty, a boy of 
twelve, also a girl of fourteen years old, four of whom they 

•Pennsylvania Gazette, March 18, 1756. 
•j-Albany towDship. 



fiilStOkY OF BERKS AND LEBANON C0U:NTIES. 61 

JBcalped. That another girl was shot in the neck, and through 
the mouth, and scalped, notwithstanding all which she got off, 
and was alive, when the letter was written. 

That a boy was stabbed in three places, but the w^ounds 
were not thought to be mortal. That they killed two of the 
horses, and five are missing, with which it is thought the In- 
dians carried off the most valuable of the goods that were in 
the wagon.* 

At the same time, the Indians carried off a young lad, named 
John Schoep, about nine years old, whom they took by night, 
seven miles beyond the blue mountain ; where, according to the 
statement of the lad, the Indians kindled a fire, tied him to a 
tree, and took off his shoes and put moccasins on his feet — 
that they prepared themselves some mush, but gave him none. 
After supper they marched on further. The same Indians took 
him and another lad between them, and went beyond the 
second mountain; having gone six times through streams of 
water, and ahvays carried him across. The second evening 
they again struck up fire; took off his moccasins, and gave him 
a blanket to cover himself; hut at midnight when all the Indians 
were fixst asleep, he made his escape, and by daybreak had 
travelled about six miles. He passed on that day, sometimes 
wading streams neck-<^eep, in the direction of the blue moun- 
tain — that night he stayed in the woods. The next day, ex- 
hausted and hungry, he arrived, by noon, at Uly Meyer's plan- 
tation, where Charles Folk's company lay, where they w^ished 
him to remain till he had regained strength, when they would 
have conducted him to his father. He was accordingly sent 
home.f 

In June, 1756, the Indians once more commit deliberate 
murder, in Bethel township, Lancaster county, (now Lebanon.) 
A letter dated Bethel township, June 9, makes mention that, 
yesterday, the 8th inst., in the afternoon, between three and 
four o'clock, four or five Indians made an incursion, at a place 
called "The Hole," where the Great Swatara creek runs 
through the blue mountain — they crept up unobserved behind 
the fence of Felix Wuensch, shot him, as he was ploughing, 
through the breast. He cried lamentably, and run, but the 
Indians soon came up with him. He defended himself some- 

* Pennsylvania Gazette, April 1, 1756. 
f C. Sauer's German Paper, March, 1756. 

6 



62 HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

time with his whip; they cut his hand and breast in a cruel 
manner with their tomahawks, and scalped him. His wife 
hearing his cries, and the report of two guns, ran out of 
the house, but was soon taken by the enemy, who carried her 
with one of her own and two of her sister's children, away with 
them, after setting the house on fire. A servant boy who was 
at some distance, seeing this, ran to their neighbor, George 
Mies, and told him what had happened. Upon which Mies, 
though he had a bad leg, with his son, ran directly after the In- 
dians, and raised a great noise, which so frightened the Indians, 
that they immediately took to their heels, and in their flight 
left a tub of butter, and a side of bacon behind them. Mies then 
went to the house, which was in flames, and threw down the 
fences, in order to save the barn. They drank all the brandy 
in the spring house, and took several gammons, a quantity of 
meal, some loaves of bread, and a^reat many other things, with 
them. Had Mr. Mies not been so courageous, they probably 
would have attacked another house. They shot one of the 
horses in the plough, and dropped a large French knife.* 

From additional intelligence it appears, that immediately on 
the above murder being perpetrated, twenty families went into 
Smith's Fort — " which was but one mile and a quarter from 
where Wuensch Hved," and that still more were expected to 
go into the fort — and immediately a party was sent out after 
the enemy, but to no purpose.! 

The Editor of the Gazette, of June 24, says: We have ad- 
vice from Fort Henry, in Berks county, (Bethel township,) that 
two children of one Lawrence Dieppel, who lives about two 
miles from said fort, are missing, and thought to be carried off 
by the Indians, as one of their hats has been found, and several 
Indian tracks seen. In relation to this statement, the Editor 
says, in the first of July No. — We learn that one of Lawrence 
Dieppel's children, mentioned in our last to be carried off, has 
been found cruelly murdered and scalped, a boy about four 
years old, and that the other, also a boy, eight years old, was 
still missing. 

Another onslaught upon the inhabitants of Swatara township 
was ma ile by the Indians, in the latter part of June, 1756, 

July 1, 1756.| We have advice that on Saturday last, nine 

• Pennsylvania Gazette, June, 1755. 

t Ibid., June 17, 1776. if Ibid. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 63 

Indians came to " The Hole,'' in Swatara, and killed and scalped 
four persons and shot two horses, and that a party of men 
went in pursuit of them, but to no purpose. 

In the early part of October, incursions were again made into 
Hanover township, about three miles w^est of The Hole. The 
following lelter from Adam Reed, Esq. to Edward Shippen, 
Esq. and others, dated Hanover township, Oct. 14, 1756, de- 
tails the shocking circmnstances : 

"Friends and Fellow Subjects: 

I send you in a few lines, the melancholy condition of the 
frontiers of this county. Last Tuesday, the 12th inst.,tenlndians 
came on Noah Frederick, while ploughing, killed and scalped 
him, and carried away three of his children that were with him — 
the eldest but nine years old — and plundered his house and car- 
ried away every thing that suited their purpose; such as 
clothes, bread, butter, a saddle, and a good rifle gim, &c. — it 
being but two short miles from Captain Smith's fort, at Swa- 
tara gap, and a little better than two miles from my house. 

Last Saturday evening, an Indian came to the house of Phi- 
lip Robeson, carrying a green bush before him — said Robeson's 
son being on the corner of his Fort, watching others that were 
dressing, flash by him — the Indian perceiving that he was ob- 
served, fled ; the watchman fired, but missed him. This being 
about three-fourths of a mile from Manady Fort; and yester- 
day morning, two miles from Smith's Fort, at Swatara, in 
Bethel township, as Jacob Farnwal was going from the house 
of Jacob Meylen to his own, was fired upon by tw^o Indians, 
and w^ounded, but escaped with his life; and a little after, in 
said township, as Frederick Henly and Peter Sample were car- 
rying away their goods in wagons, were met by a parcel of 
Indians, and all killed, lying dead in one place, and one man at 
a little distance. But what more has been done, has not 
come to my ears — only that the Indians were continuing their 
murders !] 

The frontiers are employed in nothing but carrying off their 
effects; so that some miles are now waste! We are willing, 
but not able, without help — you are able, if you be willing, (that 
is including the lower parts of the county) to give such assist- 
ance as will enable us to recover our waste land. You may 
depend upon it, that witho'it assistance, we, in a few days. 



64 HISTORY Oy BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

will be on the wrong side of you ; for I am now on the frontier, 
and I fear that by to-morrow night, I will be left some miles.. 

Gentlemen, consider what you will do, and donH he long 
about it; and let not the world say,. that we died as fools died! 
Our hands are not tied, but let us exert ourselves, and do some- 
thing for the honor of our country, and the preservation of our 
fellow subjects. I hope you will communicate our grievances 
to the lower parts of our country ; for surely they will send us 
help, if they understood our grievances. 

I would have gone down myself, but dare not, my family 
is in such danger. I expect an answer by the bearer, if pos- 
sible.* 

I am, gentlemen. 

Your very humble servant, 

Adam Reed. 

P. S. Before sending this away, I would mention, I have 
just received information, that there are seven killed and five 
children scalped alive, but have not the account of their names. 

In the month of January, 1844, the writer called on Mr. 
Martin Meylin, grandson of Jacob Meyhn, mentioned m Mr. 
Reed's letter, who stated, he heard it from his father and others, 
that one Mr. Spitler, son-in-law to Jacob Meylin, was shot 
dead on the spot while fixing up a pair of bars, and that Mrs. 
Spitler escaped by taking refuge in the watch-house at her 
father's, about two miles from Stumptown. And that at the 
same tune several men, were riding towards Wilhamsburg, 
(Jonestown,) were fired upon by the Indians, and two of them 
were killed. 

The reader will pardon a digression, to give place to the fol- 
lowing communication, from Jacob V/eidle, Esq., with whom 
the writer spent a night at his residence, January 27, 1844, in 
Union township, Lebanon county. 

Union Forge, February 13, 1844. 

Dear Sir — The following facts I obtained from Mr. Daniel 
Musser, who is nearly seventy. He suggests that there may 
probably be an error to locate Fort Smith, where Union Forge 
is. Mr. Musser's maternal grandfather, Peter Heydrich, who 

* Provincial Records, P., p. 69. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 6S 

emigrated from Germany and located, previous to 1738, about 
three-fourths of a mile due north from this place, it appears,, 
owned the place on which Fort Smith was erected. My infor- 
mant says, he knows that a fort had been erected on his 
grandfather's farm, to which, in great emergencies, the neigh- 
bors fled for safety. 

The persons whom Mr, Musser remembers of having heard 
of, that resided in this township, as old settlers, were Mr. 
Noacre or Noecker, who was shot dead in his field while 
ploughing on the farm now owned by John Zehring. He says 
that one Philip Maurer was shot dead while cradling oats on 
the farm now occupied by John Gross. Martin Hess, who es- 
caped unhurt, his house also had been a place of refuge — often 
half a dozen of families would resort to Hess's house, which 
was about one mile south-west from Peter Heydrich's, and a 
half a mile west from this place. Mathias Boeshore (your 
mother's relative) was also an old settler, who, on one occa- 
sion retreated from the enemy, the Indians, towards Hess's. 
Just as he had got inside the house, seized his gun, and turned 
upon his pursuers, levelling his deadly weapon at them, and 
while in the act of drawing the trigger, he received a shot from 
an Indian, which wounded him but slightly. The bullet of 
one savage's gun struck that part of Boeshore's rifle, to which 
the flint is attached; the ball glancing a little to one side, 
wounded him in the left side. Boeshore lived to be a very old 
man. * 

The land on which this fort was erected, is now owned by 
widow Elizabeth Shucy. The old people are unanimous in lo- 
cating the fort on Mrs. Shucy 's farm, at that time the pro- 
perty of Peter Heydrich. None of them seems to know that 
the house on Mr. Weidman's place here was ever used as a 
fort. May it not, Uke the house of Mr. Hess, have been only 
a kind of blockhouse; as the house of Hess, as well as the one 
here, has also some apertures, or port holes, which were evi- 
dently used to fire out upon the enemy? 

Of Peter Heydrick, it is related, that on certain occasions, 
the Indians appeared in great numbers — and nearly all the 
neighbors being in their own houses — Heydrich gave immediate 
notice to the people to resort to the fort, and in the mean time>, 
(having both fife and drum in the fort, and could beat and fife 

6* 



66 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

well) took the drum and fife, marched himself into the woods 
or thickets, now beating the drum, then blowing the fife; 
then and again gave the word of command, loud and dis- 
tinct, as if it had been given to a, large force — though he was 
the only one to obey orders — by this Guerre de ruse, slight of 
war, he managed to keep the savages away, and collect his 
neighbors securely. IKoth hricht Eisen. 

Yours, 

Jacob Weidle. 

Some time in the latter part of October, the Indians again 
returned into Hanover township, where they murdered, under 
circumstances of much cruelty, several families, among whom 
was one Andrew Berryhill. On the 22d October, they killed 
John Craig and his wife, scalped them both, burnt several 
houses, and carried off a lad, about thirteen years old. The 
next day they scalped a German, whose name has not been 
given.* 

Many of the settlers had fled, and not a few were killed. 
The writer has examined the tax collector's duplicate of seve- 
ral townships, for 1758, and found, from entries made in these, 
by the collectors, that in East Hanover, Lancaster county, now 
principally, if not wholly, within the limits of Lebanon county, 
the following had fled. 

Andrew Karsnits, John Gilliland, John McColloch, Walter 
McFarland, •Robert Kirkwood, William Robison, Valentine 
Stoffelbeim, Andrew Cleaman, Rudolph Fry, Peter Walmer, 
John McCulloch, James Rafter, Moses Vance, John Brower, 
Frederick Noah, Jacob Moser, Philip Mauerer, Barnhart Be- 
shore, Jacob Beshore, Matthias Beshore, William McCullough, 
Philip Calp, Casper Yost, Conrad Cleck, Christian Albert, 
Daniel Moser,, John McClure, John Anderson, Thomas Shirley, 
James Graham, Barnett McNett, Andrew Brown, Wm. Brown, 
Andrew McMahon, Thomas Hume, Thomas Strean, John 
Hume, Peter Wolf, Henry Kuntz, William Watson, John Stu- 
art, John Porterfield, David Strean, John Strean, Andrew 
McCrath, James McCurry, Conrad Rice, Alexander Swan, 
John Grean. 

Andrew Berrihill, (killed,) Samuel Ainsworth's son, (was. 
* Pennsylvania Gazette, November 4, 1756. 



HISTORY OF BERKS ANOS LEBANON COUNTIES. &7 

taken,) John Kreag, (killed and boy taken captive.*) The 
whole tax list contains some names less than one hundred. 

The enemy, in the month of November, made great havoc, 
in various parts of Berks. We have, says the Editor of the 
Pennsylvania Gazette, advices from Fort Lebanon, in Berks 
coimty, that on the 3d inst., (November, 1756,) a fire was seen 
about seven miles from said fort, supposed to be at the house 
of John Finsher; upon which a party was despatched, who on 
coming to the place, found Finsher's house, barn, out-housesy 
and a considerable quantity of corn, on fire; but saw no In- 
dians, nor any body that belonged to the house. 

They discovered a great many tracks, which they followed 
till they came to the house of Philip Culmone, whose wife, 
daughter, and one Martin Fell, liis son-in-law, were all killed 
and scalped; and Fell's Y*'ife, with a child, about a year old,, 
and a boy about seven years old, were missing. That they 
then sent notice to the fort of what had happened ; when the 
captain with some men went out, but could not find the enemy ; 
however, they carried all their neighbors, women, and children, 
into the fort, to the number of about sixty. 

We hear also from the fort, near North, Kill, (creek,) in the 
same county, that a cbild was carried off by a number of In- 
dians the same day. That Lieut.. Humphreys, with a party, 
went out in pursuit of them, and next morning came up with 
them, at Nicholas Long's, whose house they had set on fire, 
had killed two old men,t one of whom was scalped ; antl they 
would have destroyed ten women and children, that had got 
into the cellar. That they then engaged the Indians — twenty 
in number — put them to flight; two of whom it was thought 
were badly wounded. 

They extinguished the fire at Long's, and got the women 
and children, and carried them to the fort. Lieut. Hum- 
phreys had one man wounded, and his own coat was shot 
through in four pLices. They brought off a gun and a blanket. 
The Indians had all red hats and red blankets. | 

On the sixth of the same month, the wife and three children 
of John Adam Burns, of Allemaengel (Albany) township, were 

* See tax daplicate for 1755, Isaac Sharp, collector, in the commis- 
sioner's^ office, Lancaster. — Compiler. 
\ Old Mr. Zeuchmacher & Bernhart Motz. — Saua-'s Journal. 
± Pennsylvariia Gazette, November 12, 1756. 



68 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

carried off by the Indians. The youngest child was only four 
weeks old.* 

Letter from Col. Conrad Weiser, to Gov. Benny. 

Heidelberg, in the County of Berks, ) 
JVovember 19, 1756. \ 

Honored Sir — 

Last night about ten o'clock, I received the melancholy news, 
that the enemy Indians had again made an incursion in Berks 
county, killed and scalped two married women, and a lad four- 
teen years of age, wounded two children of about four years 
of age, and carried otf two more — one of the wounded is 
scalped and is likely to die, and the other has two cuts on her 
forehead, given by an Indian, who attempted to scalp her, but 
did not succeed. There were eight men, of Fort Henry, posted 
in different neighbor's houses, about one mile and a half off, 
when they heard the noise of the guns firing, made immediately 
towards it, but came too late. 

The people are moving away, leaving their barns full of 
grain behind them, and there is a lamentable cry among them. 
It is, with submission, a very hard case, that so many men are 
taken away to protect Shamokin, (all wilderness,) and the in- 
habited parts to be without protection. I have ordered eigh- 
teen men out of the town of Reading, to re-inforce Fort Henry 
immediately, of which I hope your honor will approve. 

Captain Busse will have reached Fort Augusta last Sunday 
evening, according to what he wrote me, in his last letter, from 
Fort Hunter, dated loth inst. He complains bitterly of the 
poor condition- the detachment is in, for want of clothes. I 
entreat your honor, that as soon as the companies of the First 
Battalion receive their pay, (so that they can furnish them- 
selves with necessaries against the winter,) Captain Eusse, 
and the detachment under him, may be relieved before the win- 
ter sets in. 

I am very sorry that I cannot attend in Philadelphia, at 
this time. I have now an intermittent fever upon me; thought 
it, therefore, necessary, to send my son Samuel, in order to serve 

* C. Sauer's German Paper, November, 1756. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 69 

your honor, as an interpreter, at New Castle, or any other of 
the Six Nations.* 

I am, honored sir. 

Your very obedient, 

Conrad Weiser. 

We have heard that a woman has been missed from Heidel- 
berg tovi^nship, Berks county, for three vs^eeks past, supposed 
to be carried off by the enemy .f 

Extract of a letter, dated 

Reading, December 23, 1756. 

We have an account from Fort Babel;, that on Friday last, a 
boy was killed and scalped ; and another who had the small 
pox, was dangerously wounded by the Indians, within a mile 
and a half of said fort. Lieut. Humphreys went out, but 
could find nothing of the enemy. The wounded lad says, he 
saw but two Indians, one was painted black, the other red ; they 
cut him badly, but would not scalp him for fear of the infec- 
tion, as is supposed. J 

From Reading, Berks county, there is advice that a man 
was lately killed by the Indians. A letter from Fort Leba- 
non states, that sixteen Indians were seen near that place,§ 

In a letter from Hanover, Lancaster county, dated May 2d, 
1757, it is said that on the night of the 29th ult., the house of 
Isaac Snevely was set on fire, and entirely consumed, with eigh- 
teen horses and cows.|| 

Since our last, we hear from Lancaster, that on the 17th 
May, five men, and a woman, enciente, were killed and scalped 
by the Indians, about thirty miles from Lancaster, and that the 
bodies of the men and the women, had been brought down 
there by some in the neighborhood where the murders were 
committed. We are likewise informed that an express arrived 
in Lancaster, on Saturday last, with an account of seven people 
being killed in one house, the night before. And there are let- 
ters in town, which advice of more murders being committed; 
the number uncertain, but is thought there are above twenty 

* Provincial Records, P., p. 69, 

t Pennsylvania Gazette, Dec. 9, 1756. 4^ Ibid, January, 1757. 

f Ibid, May 5, 1757, i Ibid, May 19, 1757. 



70 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

destroyed, besides what may be carried off; and that the fron- 
tier inhabitants are in great distress, and moving from their 
plantations as fast as they can. The number of the Indians 
that have done, and are doing the mischief, not known. These 
late murders have been done in Bethel, Hanover, and Paxton 
townships.* 

Extract of a letter, dated 

Reading, June 25, 1757. 

Last night, Jacob Levan, Esq., of Maxatany, came to see 
me, and showed me a letter of the 22d inst., from Lieutenant 
Engle, dated in Allemangel, by which he advised Mr. Levan of 
the murder of one Adam Trump, in Allemangel, by Indians, 
that evening, and that they had taken Trump's wife and his 
son, a lad nineteen years old, prist mers; but the woman es- 
caped, though upon her flying, she was so closely pursued by one 
of the Indians, (of which there were seven,) that he threw his 
tomahawk at her, and cut her badly in the neck, but 'tis 
hoped not dangerously. This murder happened in as great a 
thunderstorm as has happened for twenty years past; which 
extended itself over a great part of this and Northampton coun- 
ties — for I found much mischief done, as I came from Easton, 
Northampton county, to this town, the length of fifty-two miles — 
the day before yesterday, and which I hear has broken down 
the dams of seven forges, and six grist mills, on Maxatany 
creek, chiefly in this county; the rest in Philadelphia county. 

Mr. Levan told me that at the sami* time that the Indians 
did the mischief in Allemangel, another party killed and scalped 
a man near Fort Henry, in this county, and the next day car- 
ried off a young woman from the same neighborhood. I am 
told too — though I cannot tell what ci'edit is to be given to it — 
that two persons were killed and scalped near the fort at 
Northkill, in this county, Wednesday evening last, at the time 
of the thunderstorm. 

I had almost forgot to mention (but I am so huriied just 
now, 'tis no wonder,) that the Indians, after scalping Adam 
Trump, left a knife, and a halbert, or a spear, fixed to a pole 
of four feet, in his body. James Read. 

\^ * Pennsylvania Gazette, May 26, 1757. 

f John S. Richards, Esq., of Reading, politely furnished a transcript of 
this from among original letters in his possession. — Compiler. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 7l 

We hear from Berks county, from a letter, dated at Tulpe- 
liocken, July 4, 1754, that the Indians are murdering, about six 
miles from my house,* says the writer — three women and four 
children were murdered, and if we do not get assistance from 
the country, all the inhabitants of Tulpehocken will move 
away.f 

The Rev. John Nicholas Kurtz, pastor of the Lutheran con- 
gregation, at Tulpehocken, Lebanon county, in writing to Rev. 
Henry Mechir Muhlenberg, pastor of the Lutheran church, at 
New Providence, Montgomery county, under date of July 5, 
1757, says: 

" Diesen Morgen, wurden sieben ermordete und gescalpte, 
nemlich drey Maenner und vier Kinder, zur Beerdigung auf 
unsern Kirchhof gebracht, so gestern bey Somnen Untergang, 
fuenf Meilen von hier von den Indianern umgebracht worden, 
und alle in einem House !| 

Extract of a letter, dated 

Heidelberg, July 9, 1757. 

Yesterday, about three of the clock, in the afternoon, be- 
tween Valentino Herchelroad's, and Tobias Bickell's, four In- 
dians killed two children; one about four years, the other five; 
they at the same time scalped a young woman of about sixteen; 
but, with proper care, she is likely to hve and do well. 

A woman was terribly cut with the tomahawk, but not 
scalped — her life is despaired of. Three children were carried 
off prisoners. One Christian Schrenk's wife, being among the 
rest, bravely defended herself and children, for a while ; wrest- 
ing the gun out of the Indian's hands, who assaulted her, also 
his tomahawk, and threw them away; and afterwards was 
obliged to save her own life — two of her children were 
taken captives in the mean time. In this house were also 
twenty women and children, who had fled from their own habi- 
tations, to take shelter; the men belonging to them were about 
one half mile off, picking cherries — they came as quick as pos- 
sible and went in pursuit of the Indians, but to no purpose, the 
Indians had concealed themselves.] | 

* Pennsylvania GazeUe, May 26, 1757. 
■j- Reverend Kurtz. 

i Pennsylvania Gazette, July 4, 1757. 
§ Hallische Nachricten, fuer 1757. 
II Pennsylvania Gazette, July, 1757. 



72 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

We hear that in Bethel township, Lancaster county, (no^V 
Lebanon,) one man was murdered last Saturday, a second one 
wounded so badly that he died, and a third shot in the hand.* 

We hear, says C. Sauers, from Linn township, (now Green- 
wich,) Berks county, that, as Adam Klaus and his neighbors 
were reaping rye, July 9th, they were surprised by a party of 
Indians; two men, two women, and a young girl escaped. 
Martin Yaeger, (Hunter,) and his wife, were killed and scalped. 
John Kraushaar's wife and child, Abraham Seckler's wife and 
one of Adam Clauss's children were scalped, and are still living, 
though badly wounded; one of the women is wounded in the 
side and the other in the hip. Two of Kraushaar's children 
were killed; one of Seckler's and one of Philip Eschton's, but 
were not scalped. The alarm being raised, a party Avent in 
pursuit of them, and overtook nine, and fired upon them. But 
they soon eluded the pursuit of the whites. f 

Extract of a letter, dated 

Hanover, Lancaster {iiow Lehanoii) county, ] 
August 11, 1757. \ 

Last Thursday, John Andrew's wife, going to a neighbor's 
house, was surprised by six Indians, had her horse shot under 
her, and she and her child were carried off. On Saturday, in 
Bethel township, as John Winkleblech's tw^o sons, and Joseph 
Fischbach, (a soldier in the pay of the Province,) went out 
about sunrise, to bring in the cows, they were fired upon by 
about fifteen Indians; the two lads were killed; one of them 
was scalped ; the other got into the house before he died, and 
the soldier was wounded in the himd. 

The same morning, about seven o'clock, two miles below 
Manaday gap, as Thomas McQuire's son was bringing in some 
cows out of a field, a little way from the house, he was pur- 
sued by two Indians, and narrowly escaped. The same day, 
in the middle of this township, four miles from the mountain, as 
Leonard Long's son was ploughing, was killed and scalped; 
on the other side of the fence, Leonard Miller's son was plough- 
ing; he was made prisoner. 

John Graham, who lives near the gap of the Indian town 
creek, had a steer killed, about sunrise, or before, and John 

* Pennsylvania Gazette, August II, 1757. 
•j- C. Sauer's Journal, July, 1757. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 4 6 

Brown had two cows killed ; all except the first mischief done 
in one day; so that last Saturday there must have been, at 
least, four parties of Indians in this township. 

Having notice of this on Sunday morning, I set out with four 
men, and we ranged till after midnight. Monday morning I 
set out again, with forty men, intending to go over the moun- 
tain. We ranged the first day in the forest, and had intended 
to lie out on the mountain all night, but a heavy rain flailing, 
we took to a house. On Tuesday morning we set out over the 
mountain to find tracks, if possible; but we found not the least 
appearance of any, or Indians, over the mountain, or in any of 
the waste houses; so we returned on Tuesday night. 

Monday, 8th. Many tracks were seen among the inhabitants, 
and in the waste houses, where the Indians lodged. In one of 
the houses they left a scalping knife, and had killed and scalped 
a man. Wednesday, we intended to rest, but at about 12 
o'clock had another alarm. 
/ Near Benjamin Clarke's house, four miles from the mill, two 
/ Indians surprised Isaac Williams' wife, and the widow Wil- 
liams, alias Smelley, killed and scalped the former, in sight of 
the house, she having run a little way, after three balls had 
been shot through her body ; the latter they carried away cap- 
tive^ 

About the same time, as George Maurer was cutting oats in 
George Scheffer's field, he was killed and scalped, two miles 
from the hill, so that it was not all done by one party. 

There is now such a severe sickness in these parts — the like 
has not been known — that many families can neither fight nor 
run away, which occasions great distress on the frontiers. Had 
it not been for forty men, which the province has in pay, in this 
township, little of the harvest could have been saved, and as 
the time for which they have been engaged is 2iearly elapsed, 
the inhabitants hope the government will continue them in the 
service, else the Consequences must be dreadful.* 

We hear from a gentleman that six persons were taken away 
by the Indians from Lancaster county, 17th August.f 

SinCe our last, we learn from Lancaster, that there was no- 
thing but murdering and capturing among them by the Indians. 
That on the 17th August, one Beatly was killed in Paxton — 
that the next day, James Mackey was murdered in Hanover, 

* Pennsylvania Gazette, August, 1757. \ Ibid. Aug. 11. 

7 



74 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

and William and Joseph Barnet wounded. That on the same 
day were taken prisoners, a son of James Mackey^ a son of 
Joseph Barnet, Elizabeth Dickey and her child, and the wife 
of Samuel Young and her child ; and that ninety-four men, wo- 
men and children, were seen flying from their places, in one body, 
and a great many more in smaller parties, so that it was feared 
the settlements would be entirely forsaken. 

We hear from Berks county, that several Indians have lately 
been seen near Fort Lebanon ; and that on Sunday, the 21st 
August, the house and barn of Peter Seraelcke were burnt, and 
three of his children carried off; himself, wife and one child, 
being from home at the time. This was done within two 
miles of the fort.* 

Our accounts, in general^ from the frontiers, are most dismal; 
all agreeing that some of the inhabitants are killed or carried 
off; houses burnt and cattle destroyed daily — and that at the 
same time they are afflicted with severe sickness and die fast, 
so, that in many places, they are neither able to defend them- 
selves, when attacked, nor to run away.f 

We hear from Lebanon township, Lancaster (now Lebanon) 
county> that on last Friday, four children were carried off by 
the Indians. From Reading, Berks county, that on Thursday 
and Friday last, some people were murdered in Bern township, 
by the Indians, and others carried off. 

A letter from Hanover township, Lancaster county, dated 
October 1st, 1757, says that the children mentioned of having 
been carried off from Lebanon township, belonging to Peter 
Wampler, that they were going to the meadow for a load of 
hay; and that the Indians took from the house what they 
thought most valuable, and destroyed what they could not take 
away, to a considerable value. 

In the same letter it is said, that the frontiers are almost 
without inhabitants, and on that day, and on the day before, 
several creatures were killed by the enemy in Hanover town- 
ship, and that on Thursday before, four persons were killed in 
Berks county, and four made prisoners, near the Northkill, by 
a party of Indians, supposed to be about fifty. J 

On the 25th of November, Thomas Robinson, and a son of 
Thomas Bell, were killed and scalped by the Indians, in Hano- 

, * Pennsylvania Gazette, September 1, 1757. f Ibid, September 8. 
^Ibid, October 6 and 13. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 75 

ver township ; but that the Indians immediately went off after 
committing the murder.* 

The condition of the frontier settlers or inhabitants was truly- 
deplorable; not only were they surprised by the ferocious, 
blood-thirsty savages, but sickness rendered their unenviable 
condition still more dismal. They had not the means to en- 
gage forces or scouters to apprize them of the Indians' inva- 
sions, or prevent their incursions. In these deplorable circum- 
stances they had to appeal to a deaf government, and to the 
sympathies of their fellow citizens, for means. 

The following is given to show the nature of their appeal to 
their fellow brethren. It has been copied from a file of papers 
in the possession of the Hon. John Ritter, of Reading. It is 
from C. Sauer's German paper, printed at Germantown, in 
July, 1757. 

Die hintern Einwohner zu Dolpehocken bitten um eine Bey- 
steurer, dass sie mehr Wacten bezahlen koennen zu ihre Sicher- 
heit, weil die Festengen so weit aus einander liegen, und die 
Voelcker drinnen wenig Dienste thun. Wer willen ist etwas 
zu steuern, der kan es ablegen in Lancaster by Herrn Oterbein, 
und Herrn Gerock, Lut. JPred.; in New Hanover und Provi- 
dentz by Hr. Muehlenberg und Leydig; in Madetsche by Dr. 
Abraham Wagner; in Goschenhoppen by Mr. Michel Reyer; 
in Germantown by Christoph Sauer, sr.; und in Philadelphia 
bey Hr. Handschuh,. und dabey schreiben, wie viel gegeben 
worden; und diese koennen es uebersenden an Col. Conrad 
Weiser, oder Peter Spycker, oder an Hr. Kurtz, wie es einem 
jeden beliebt. 

Diejenigen, welchi in Ruhe und Sicherheit ihre Erndte haben 
koeimen schneiden und heinbri'ngen, haben Ursache Gott davor 
zudanken. 

Extract of a letter, dated 

Tulpehocken, April S, 1758. 
I and Mr. Kern have just arrived at Mr. Jacob Sherman's, 
where we have been informed that a woman was killed and 
scalped by the Indians last night, about three miles from here. 
We are now ready to pursue them. The persons killed, be- 
sides one taken captive, are two young men at Swatara — 
• Pennsylvania Gazette, Sept. 8, 1757. 



76 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

brothers, by the name of Shetterly — one Michael Sauter, and 
William Hart, and a widow woman taken captive. 

At Tulpehocken, a man by the name of Lebenguth and his 
wife were killed and scalped. At Northkill, Nicholas Geiger's 
wife and two of his children were killed ; and also Michael Dit- 
zelar's wife was killed — these were all scalped. The Indians 
have divided themselves into small parties, and surprise the set- 
tlers miawares.* 

On Monday, the 22d of May, 1758, Barnabas Tolon was 
killed and scalped in Hanover township, Lancaster county. 
And we are well informed that one hundred and twenty-three 
persons have been murdered or carried off from that county, by 
the Indians, since the war commenced; and that three have 
been scalped and yet alive.f 

A letter from Fort Henry, in Berks county, dated June 17, 
1758, mentions the wife of John Frantz, and three children, 
being carried off by the Indians ; and that the woman was 
murdered a little way from Frantz's house, she being weakly 
and not able to travel. Also, that the son of Jacob Snavely,, 
a shoemaker, was killed and scalped about the same time. 
From the tracks of the enemy, their number is supposed to be 
about twenty. I 

We have advice from Swatara township, Lancaster (now 
Lebanon) county, that on Tuesday, the 20th inst., a Dutch- 
man (German) was shot and scalped by the Indians; and the 
next day one Samuel Robinson was shot, but got into a house — 
he soon after died. 

Extract of a letter, dated 

Fort Henry, Berks county, October 4, 1758. 

The first of October, the Indians burnt a house on Swatara, 
killed one man, and three are missing. Two boys were found 
tied to a tree and were released. We are alarmed in the fort 
almost every night by a terrible barking of dogs ; there are cer- 
tainly some Indians about us.§ 

• C. Sauer's German Paper, April, 1758. 
■}■ Pennsylvania Gazette, Ja^. 1, 1756. 
,■ + Ibid, Jan. 29. ^ ^ Ibid, Oct. 19, 1758. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 77 



Reading, Mv. 15, 1758. 
We learn that on the 13th inst., Jacob Mosser and Hans 
Adam Mosser, were killed by the Indians, in Bethel township, 
Lancaster county. There were some others in the company 
who made their escape, and being pursued by the enemy, got 
into the house, the door of which the Indians endeavored to 
force open, when one of them was shot down, by a white boy, 
«pon which the others wrapped him in a blanket and went off. 

1763, September 9. — "A few of the Rangers who had en- 
camped in Berks county, were apprized of the approach of 
Indians by their outscouts; the Indians advanced cautiously to 
take them by surprise; when near, with savage yells, they 
rushed forward, but the Rangers, springing on their feet, shot 
the three in front ; the rest fled into a thicket and escaped. The 
Indians were armed with guns, and provided with ammunition. 
These Indians, it is supposed by some, had been on their way 
from the Moravian Indians, in Northampton county, to the big 
island. Runners were sent to the different parties of Rangers, 
with information, and others set out in pursuit of those who 
fled.* 

Letter from Jonas Seely, Esq., dated 

Reading, Sept. 11, 1763. 
We are all in a state of alarm. Indians have destroyed 
dwellings, and murdered' with savage barbarity their helpless 
inmates; even in the neighborhood of Reading. Where these 
Indians came from, and where going, we know not. These are 
dangerous times. Send us an armed force to aid our Rangers 
of Berks and Lancaster.! 

Jonas Seely. 



Another letter, dated 

Readiytg, Septemher 17, 1763. 
It is a matter of wonder, that Indians livino- amoncr us, for 
numbers of years, should suddenly become grum friends, or 

• Pennsylvania Gazette, Oct. 19, 1758, 

•j- Laid before the Assembly, Sept. 16, 1763. Votes of Assembly, . 



78 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES* 

most deadly enemies! Yet there is too much reason for sus- 
picion. The Rangers sent in word, that these savages must 
consist of fifty, who travel in companies from five to twenty, 
Tisiting Wyalusing, Wichetunk, Nain, Big Island and Cones- 
togue, under the mark of friendly Indians. Our people have 
become almost infuriated to madness. These Indians were not 
even suspected of treachery, such had been the general confi- 
dence in their fidelity. The murders recently committed are 
of the most aggravating description. Would it not be proper 
to institute an inquiry mto the cause of our present distress? 
We are in want offeree, and money; we require aid. 

The Senecas, there is much reason to believe, have been 
tampering with our Indians. 

Jonas Seely. 

To the Hon. Gov. James Hamilton. 

In the early part of September, in the afternoon, eight well- 
armed Indians came to the house of John Fincher, a Quaker, 
residing north of the Elue mountain, in Berks county, about 
twenty-four miles from Reading, and within three-quarters of a 
mile of a party of six men of Captain Kern's company of Ran- 
gers, commanded by ensign Scheffer. At the approach of the 
Indians, John Fincher, his wife, two sons and daughter, im- 
mediately went to the door and asked them to enter in and eat; 
expressed their hopes that they came as friends, and entreated 
them to spare their lives. The Indians were deaf to the en- 
treaties of Fincher. Both parents and two sons were delibe- 
rately murdered; their bodies were found on the spot. The 
daughter was missing after the departure of the Indians, and it 
was supposed from the cries, that were heard by the neighbors, 
that she also was slain. 

A young lad, who lived with Fincher, made his escape, and 
notified ensign Scheffer, who instantly went in pursuit of these 
heartless, cold-blooded assassins. He pursued them to the 
house of one Millar, where he found four children murdered ; 
the Indians having carried two others with them. Millar and 
his wife being at work in the field, saved their lives by flight. 
Mr. Millar himself, was pursued near one mile by an Indian, 
who fired at him twice while in hot pursuit. Scheffer and his 
party continued their pursuit and overtook the savages, firing 
upon them. The Indians returned the fire, and a sharp, but- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Vi* 

short conflict ensued, — the enemy fled, leaving behind thera 
Millar's two children, and part of the plunder they had taken. 

Thjese barbarous Indians had scalped all the persons whom 
they had murdered, except an infant, about two weeks old, 
whose head they had dashed against the wall, where the brains 
with clotted blood on the w^all was a witness of their cruelty. 
The consequence of this massacre was the desertion of all the 
settlements beyond the Blue momitain. 

A few days after these atrocious murders, the house of 
Frantz Hubler, in Bern township, eighteen miles from Read- 
ing, was attacked by surprise — Hubler was wounded; his wife 
and three of his children were carried ofl", and three other of 
his children scalped alive; two of these shortly afterwards died. 

"Murder and cruelty marked the path of these Indians. 
From the many acts of savage ferocity committed in Berks 
county, may be noticed that on the 10th of September, 1763, 
when five of these Indians entered the house of Philip Martlofl, 
at the base of the Blue mountain, murdered and scalped his 
wife, two sons and two daughters, burnt the house and barn, 
the stacks of hay and grain, and destroyed every thing of any 
value. Martloff was absent from home, and one daughter es- 
caped at the time of the murder, by running and secreting her- 
self in a thicket. The father and daughter were left in abject 
misery."* 

* See Vctes of Assembly, vol. v. p 285. Oct. 21, 17G5. 



CHAPTER lY. 



THE SWEDES. 



Some descendants of this hardy race, of whom it is said, that 
when Penn arrived, "they had made great improvements — had 
houses full of fine children ; are still found in the lower parts of 
Berks county, and others in Alsace. Among their descendants 
are those of the name of Jones, Kirlin, Umsted and others, 
whose names are mentioned in speaking of Douglass, Amity 
and Alsace townships. 

One hundred and fifty years ago, the Swedes were a very 
plain, remarkably strong, and exceedingly industrious people. 
As it may prove interesting to the reader, a brief sketch from 
the pen of an able writer is given, with some additional re- 
marks, concerning this interesting people. 

"Numbers of Swedes lived at Kensington and on Sunner's 
creek, before the arrival of Penn. They had grants of land 
from Alexander Henoyon, the governor of New York, as early 
as 1664 — that is the date of the deed to old Peter Cock, for 
Shackamaxon. On that creek, three-fourths of a mile from its 
mouth, now so diminished, they once built large sloops, and af- 
terwards a brig, at its mouth. 

The Swedes dwelt in numbers on Tinicum, calling the place 
New Gottenburg. At their church there, the first corpse ever 
buried was Catharine, daughter of Andrew Hanson, October 
24, 1646. 

To the church upon Tinicum Island,, all the Swedes, settled 
along the Delaware, used to go in their canoes from long dis- 
tances. They did the same in visiting the primitive log church 
at Wiccoco, — almost all their conveyances were preferred by 
water. There was a stone upon Darby, to which they always 
went by water, even when the land route was often nearest. 

The old Swedish inhabitants were said to be very successful 
in raising chick turkies; as soon as hatched, they plunged them 
into cold water, and forced them to swallow a whole pepper 
corn, — they then returned it to the mother, and it became as 
hardy as a hpn's chick. When they found them drooping, their 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTI4S. 81 

practice was to examine the run;p feathers, and such two or 
three as were found filled with blood, were to be drawn out, 
and the chick would revive and thrive. 

"Kalm, the Swedish traveller, who was here among his 
countrymen, in 1748, has left notices as follows, concerning 
them: — The ancient Swedes used the sassafras for tea, and for 
a dye. From the persimmon tree they made beer and brandy. 
They called the mullen plant the Indian tobacco; they tied it 
round their arms and feet, as a cure, when they had the ague. 
They made their candles generally from the bayberry bushes; 
the root they used to cure tooth ache ; from the bush they also 
made an agreeable smelling soap. The magnolia tree they 
made use of for various medicinal purposes. 

" The houses of the first Swedish settlers were very indif- 
ferent; consisting (>f but one room; the door was so low as to 
require you to stoop. Instead of window panes of glass they 
had little holes, before which a sliding board was put, or, on 
other occasions, they had isinglass; the cracks between logs 
were filled with clay ; the chimnies in a corner, were generally 
of gray sandstone; or for want of it, sometimes mere clay; the 
ovens were in the same room. They had separate stables for 
the cattle; but after the English came and set the example, 
they left their cattle to suffer in the open winter ai*r. The 
Swedes wore vests and breeches of skin;: hats were not used, 
but little caps with flaps before them. They made their own 
leather and shoes, with soles like moccasins, of the same ma- 
teriel as the tops. The women, too, wore jackets and petti- 
coats of skins; their beds, excepting the sheets, were of skins 
of bears, wolves, &c. Hemp, they had none; but they used 
flax, for ropes and fishing tackle. This rude state of living 
was, however, in the country places principally, and before the 
English came. 

" The Swedes seemed to have retained for a long time a 
hereditary attachment to the skin garments; for within the me- 
mory of some of their oldest, still living, some are remembered 
who were seen wearing calf-skin vests and jackets, and buck- 
skin breeches. 

" Many Swedes settled along the western side of the Schuyl- 
kill. Matthias Holstein, a primitive settler in Upper Merion, 
took up one thousand acres there. Mauntz Rambo, an aged 
3wede, aJiv^ about sixty-five years- ago, born near Swedes 



82 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Ford, was a celebrated hunter in his day ; he killed numerous- 
deer in his neighborhood in his time — once he shot a panther 
which he found attempting to attack his dog. He remembered 
many still among them, in his younger days. 

"My friend," says Watson, "Major M. Holstein, fond of 
his Swedish descent, tells rae, that when he first went to the 
Swedes' church, in Merion, as a boy, all the men and women 
came there on horseback, and all the women wore 'safe-guard 
petticoats,' which they took off and hung along the fence. 

" His grandmother, born at Malothan, four miles from Potts- 
grove, remembered the Indians once about them, and that she, 
herself, when young, had been carried some distance on a 
squaw's back. They then did all their travelling by canoes, on 
the Schuylkill. When married, she and her wedding friends 
came down to Swedes Ford, in their canoes. In the same man- 
ner they always made their visits to Philadelphia." 

A settlement was commenced by the Swedes, at Moletton, 
prior to 1700. At Douglasville, there is still standing a sub- 
stantially built house, erected nearly one hundred and thirty 
years ago, by a Mr. Johns or Jones. The orthography of 
Swedish names, has been so much changed since their first im- 
migration, that descendants from the same family can scarcely 
be recognized. Jonasson, has been changed into Johnson; 
Johns, now Jones; Hailing, into Huhngs or Hewlings; Von 
Culen, into Culen; Mats, into Matthias; Bengt, into Bene- 
dict; Olave, into William; Kohnig, into King; Longaker, into 
Longenecker; Jocom, into Yocum; Omstadt, into Ulmstead or 
Umsted ; Gostasson, into Justis. 

The Swedish language is very little spoken among their de- 
scendants. A specimen of it is given below, being the Lord's 
Prayer in that language. 

Fader waer som aest i Himmelen. Helgat warde titt Nampn. 
Tillkomme titt Ricke. Skee tin Wilie sae pae Jordenne som i 
Himmelen Waert, dagliga Broed gifF ofs i dagh. Och foerlaet 
OSS waera skulder sae som ock wi foerloeten them oss skyldige 
aero. Och in leed oss icke i frestelse. Ut an frals oss i frae 
ondo, Tu Ruket aer titt, och Machten och Haerligheten i 
Ewigheet. Amen.* 

* Copied from the Siockkolm Edition of 1674. 



CHAPTER V. 

FRENCH PROTESTANT, OR HUGUENOTS. 

A small body of these persecuted persons, settled at a com- 
paratively early period, in Oley, Alsace, and other townships 
of Berks county. It is supposed by some that they were termed 
Huguenots, by way of reproach. Before giving an account of 
those who settled in Berks county, a few remarks will be sub- 
mitted as to the name by which the French Protestants are 
now generally known. 

Many and various are the sources to which the learned have 
traced the etymology of '^ Huguenot ." 

Some have asserted that the term was originally applie'd to 
the members of the Reformed, by the dignitaries of the Catholic 
Church, as one of reproach. To sustain this position, it is ar- 
gued that when the new doctrine was first preached in Franc**, 
a number of the inhabitants of the city of Tours — which after- 
wards, and next to the city of Rochelle, ranked as the strong- 
est hold of the Reformed party — embraced the same. Unlike 
the Catholics, their worship w^as conducted in the evening as 
well as in the day. Cultivating a spirit of genuine piety, they 
met after night in each others hoilses, for social prayer. In 
this, they imitated the example of primitive Christians, and like 
them, they became the subjects of a persecution almost as re- 
lentless. Going from house to house as the place of meeting 
might chance to be, after the labors of the day were over, to 
attend to this pious duty, and returning therefrom at a later 
hour, their enemies, the papists, endeavored to prevent the ex- 
tension of their doctrines, by reporting at first that they were 
engaged in some foul conspiracy against the government, ami 
afterwards against the people. Failing in their attempts to af- 
fect them in this way, and finding that the fallow ground was 
being broken up daily, with the promise of a rich return, and 
that the seed of the true faith which was sown in confidence, 
was germinating and yielding an abundant harvest, despite their 
efforts, to the contrary, they next changed their mode of war- 
fare, and endeavored to effect their object by bringing them 
into ridicule and contempt. For this purpose, they seized upon 



'S-i HIStORY OF ^ERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

the fact of their meeting after night, and connected with it a 
story, then current, concerning the city of Tours. One 6l the 
gates of the city, it seems, was called Hugo, and according to a 
popular tradition from Hugo, comte Tours, who it seems, ac- 
cording to the same tradition, was eminent in life only for his 
crimes, oppression and cruelty. After his death — so runs the 
the story — his spirit, incapable of repose, haunted immediately 
after nightfall, the scene, which was the neighborhood of the 
gate in question, cf its cruelty and crimes, when embodied in 
the flesh. Many and strange pranks were played, and many a 
hapless wight was bruised and beaten by this pugnacious spirit, 
all of which added to horrible sounds and unearthly noises in 
the immediate vicinity of its walks, so alarmed the inhabitants, 
as to induce them to keep closely housed, whenever the hour 
for its appearance drew near. Hence, Hugo and ghost came 
to be synonymous; and as has been already shown, the social 
worship of night meetings of the Reformers being so widely 
different from the imposing ceremony of the Catholic church, 
and requiring them consequently to be out more after night 
than the latter, each individual of the former was called a 
Hugo; the whole. Huguenot?. Thus much for this derivation, 
and the tale that thereby hangs. 

The next supposed derivation, is that it was a term volunta- 
rily assumed by themselves, as a party name, when their reli- 
gion was attacked, and they w^ere forced to take arms against 
the government in self-defence. As they were rigid Calvinists, 
of great sanctity of character and purity of morals, Caseneuve 
has pretended to have discovered the original in the Flemish 
word Heghenon or Huguenon, which means Cathari or Puri- 
tan; but this is not very probable, inasmuch as it is not likely, 
that having a wOrd in their own vocabulary, so expressive as 
"Puritan," they would be disposed to borrow from a language 
no more known than the Flemish. 

Another author has attempted to trace its origin to Hugue- 
note, a name given to an iron or earthen pot for cooking, by 
connecting it with the persecutions to which the Reformed 
were subjected in France ; and basing it upon the hypothesis, 
that some of their number may have been roasted or tortured 
and exposed to the flames like a vessel used for culinary pur- 
poses. 

These are all, however, but mere surmises, unsupported and 



HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 85 

misustained by any thing at all calculated to give them a pro- 
per title to serious consideration. The only etymology then, 
which in our humble opinion remains, is undoubtedly the true 
one — this we shall briefly attempt to prove by the history of 
the times and the people. 

Eidgenoss is a Geiman compound word, in the Saxon and 
Dutch dialects, Eedgenotten ; of which the singular is Eidge- 
noss^ or Eedgenot* It is formed from Eid, an oath, and Ge- 
noss, a confederate or partaker of the oath ; and was the origi- 
nal designation of the three Swiss patriots, William Tell, 
Walter Fuerst, and Arnold of Melcthal,! on the night of the 
7th November, 1807, met at Ruetli, on the lake of Luzerne, 
and there bound themselves by a solemn oath, to shake off the 
yoke of their Austrian oppressors, and to establish the liberties 
of their coimtry. The conspiracy thus formed was embraced 
with delight by all to whom it was communicated, each mem- 
ber of which was called an Eidgenoss, and afterwards, Janu- 
ary, A. D. 1308, when the people of the Waldstetter, com- 
posed of the Cantons, Appenzell, Glaris and Uri, met in solemn 
council, and took the oath of perpetual alliance, tiiey were de- 
signated as the Eidgennossenschafi, i. e. Confederation. — 
Through successive generations they were thus known, and 
when in aftertimes, the people of Geneva, which had now been 
included in the Swiss confederation, embraced the doctrines of 
John Calvin; they threw off the allegiance of the Duke of 
Savoy; and in order to maintain their independence, formed a 
confederacy after the example of the Waldstetter, with the 
Cantons of Bern and Freibourg, which was also confirmed by 
an oath of all the contracting parties. Like the original pa- 
triots, they in turn were called Eidgenossen. This movement 
being half temporal, and half ecclesiastical or spiritual, related 
to their freedom of government as men, and the rights of con- 
science as Christians. Hence in its popular usage, this term 
conveyed the primary idea of freemen, in contradistinction to 
mamelukes, serfs, or slaves, by which name the party of the 
Duke was better known; and also the secondary idea of a reli- 
gious reformation in the mind of the adherents to the Catholic 
faith. For the city of Geneva, having embraced the Reformed 
doctrines, and immediately thereafter, thrown off the allegiance, 
under the circumstances already given, the terra Eigenosscn 
* Lewis Mayer, D. D. \ Davenport, article Fuerst. 

8 



86 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

fcecame identified among the papists, with the notion of releU 
or apostates from the church, and was therefore consequently 
used as a term of reproach. 

From Geneva, where he had taught with so much success, 
that instead of Zurich, it became the metropohs of the Reformed 
Churches, Calvin, ardent in the discharge of what he conceived 
lis duty, pushed his doctrines with eminent success into his na- 
tive kingdom of France. They were readily embraced by the 
learned and the pious, without regard to caste or standing in 
society. The Admiral Caspar de Coligni, D'Andelot, Mornay, 
Duplesis, La Renandie, the Prince de Gonde Ann Dubourg, 
Theodore Beza, and a host of others equally worthy and emi- 
nent for their virtues, were among the firmest supporters of the 
Reformation, and the teacher of its doctrines^ Sustained by 
such men against the power of the court; in the midst of pei- 
secutions and civil wars — the professors of the Reformed reli- 
gion were spoken of with respect; and although the term 
Eidgenoss, or Eedgenot, was known in France at that time, 
still no effort was made to bring them into disrepute by the 
application of this, or any other term of ridicule, except when 
they were occasionally called ^Hlie pretended reformed,'^ or, 
^' seditionists," in the state papers. Thus they remained, until 
on the accession of Frances II. to the throne, and his early mar- 
riage with Mary, Queen of Scotland. Being very young in 
years, and devotedly attached to his young Queen, he readily 
transferred the care of his kingdom to his wife's uncles, the 
Dukes of Guise and Loraine. This begat discontent among 
the protestants, who only wanted a leader to organize them 
into a formidable body. Calvin, like Thomas Cranmer, the 
celebrated reformer, had taught that the king was supreme, and 
acting upon this principle, the French Calvinists maintained that 
the king being yet in his minority, was to be protested by his 
subjects from the tyranny of his uncles ; to this end a plan was 
concerted, known as the conspiracy of Amboise, for their over- 
throw, of which the Prince de Conde, was unanimously chosen 
leader; but without his knowledge, nor was he considered as 
a participator, until the time of action arrived. John de Bari, 
and the Sieur La Renandi, in the meantime were to direct all 
their movements. In conformity with this plan they convened 
a meeting of the protestant leaders at Nantes, in the darkness 
of the night, in a ruined building on the outskirts of the town. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 87 

Before they proceeded to develope their schemes, La Renandi 
administered solemn oaths, that "nothing be done or attempted 
against the King and Queen-mother, or princes, his brothers.'* 
To this agreement they all swore; and after praying for suc- 
cess, they parted with fraternal embraces, and in tears. The 
time and place of carrying their plot into execution, was to be 
at Blois, on the 15th of March, 1550. By some means the 
plot was discovered to the Count, and therefore, the Duke of 
Guise was appointed Lieutenant General of the Kingdom, with 
supreme power in all cases, civil and military. Armed with 
this authority he adopted the most energetic measures to sup- 
press the protestants, and although he succeeded in defeating 
and killing La Renandi and a few of his companions, yet the 
effect was not produced which the Count anticipated ; but on 
the contrary, the Reformed party increased in numbers, and 
displayed additional zeal and activity in all their movements, 
much to the annoyance of the Guises and their adherents." 

It is only at this period of history in France then, that we 
find the professors of the Reformed religion first designated by 
the term Huguenots. They were identified in faith with the 
Reformed of Geneva, and like them, upon the discovery of the 
conspiracy referred to, were called Eidgenossen; that is, in the 
Papist sense, rebels and apostates. From this, owing to their 
ignorance of the orthography of the German word, and their 
inability to pronounce it correctly ; but yet well knowing its 
import, it is easy to conceive that Frenchmen would readily 
corrupt it into Huguenot. The analogy is striking, the facts 
undoubted, and the reasons given, to our mind, at least, satis- 
factory. 

With this brief enquiry into the origin of the term Eidgenos- 
sen, i. e. Huguenot, we might rest, but as there are many de- 
scendants of this brave, moral, religious and much persecuted 
people, residing in Berks county, and in some instances still 
living upon the farms originally patented by their refugee an- 
cestors, we feel bound to say a word concerning them. After 
the Huguenot colonies at New Rochelle, West Chester county, 
Esopus, Ulster county. New York, had been formed, some of 
their number at an early day, emigrated to this county and 
commenced settlements. Of this number were the De Tircks 
or De Turcks, and others, who had emigrated from Esopus, in 
New York, to Oley township, prior to 1712. 



88 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Abraham De Turck, of Oley township, in a note, dated' 
March, 1844, says: Meine Voraeltern, Namens Isaac De 
Turck wohnten in Frankreich, waren von den sogenannten Hu- 
guenoten, fluechteten wegen Religion nach der Pfalz in die 
Stadt Franckenthal ; von dorten wandente sie aus nach Ame- 
rica, hessen sich nieder im Staat New York, in der Gegend 
Esopus in der Zeit der Koenigen Anna; zogen von da nach 
Oley zwischen 1704 und 1712. Das Patent von meinem land 
ist 1712. 

This soon opened the way for a direct emigration of their 
persecuted brethren still remaining in France, and of others 
who had sought protection of the protestant powers of Switzer- 
land, Germany, Holland, and England. Among the most pro- 
minent of these early Huguenot settlers in this county, we give 
the names of several head of families, as follows: besides the 
De Turcks, Bertolets, are Levans, Loras, Beseaurs, Sharodin, 
Berdos, De La Plains, Delangs and others. (See Oley town- 
ship.) 

These pious, and persecuted men, with their fellow refugees 
and families, passed "through much tribulation," until at length 
they secured for themselves and posterity an asylum where 
they could "worship God according to the dictates of their 
own consciences." Although they succeeded far beyond their 
most sanguine expectations, still they looked back with regret, 
and in many instances with home-sick hearts, upon the vine-clad 
hills and sunny fields of their own much loved France. They 
were exiles from the land of their nativity; the broad billows of 
the Atlantic rolled between them and the graves of their fathers. 
Separated from friends and kindred, who in their turn were 
driven to seek the protection of foreign potentates, or restrained 
by the policy of the government, after the revocation of the 
edict of Nantes, from emigrating, and forced into an abjuration 
of their faith — how harassing must have been their feelings 
and how sore their trials! But, "He who tempers the wind 
to the shorn lamb," was still gracious unto them; he who had 
protected and defended them from dangers, imminent and terri- 
ble, was still " their strength and abiding place." Time blunted 
the keenness of their sorrows, and as the forest began to bloom 
beneath their labors, they sat down in contentment, and in daily 
prayer returned thanksgiving unto Him, who is the Author o£ 
every good and perfect gift. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 89 

Some of the Huguenots brought with them French Bibles. 
Daniel Bartolet, a descendant of Jean Bartolet, who, with his 
\nfe and five children, emigrated into Oley in 1726, has the very 
Bible brought with the family. It is esteemed a precious relic. 

The following, being the Lord's Prayer, has been copied from 
one of these French Bibles. It is from the Maresior edition of 
1669. 

Nostre pere, qui es es cieux. Yon Nom soit sanctifie. Ton 
regne vienne. Ta volonte soit faite ainsi en la terre comma au 
ciel. Donne nous aujourd hui nostre pain quotidien. Et nous 
quitte nos debtes, comme aussi nous quitons a nos detteurs les 
heurs. Et ne nos indui point en tentation, mais delivre nos du 
malin. Car a toi est le regne et la puissance et la gloire a 
jamais. Amen. 



CHAPTER VL 

THE GERMANS, 

The Germans, who first emigrated into the Province of 
Pennsylvania, came chiefly for conscience's sake; those who 
arrived at a later period, came to improve their temporal, as 
well as their spiritual condition. Not many names of the first 
German emigrants, except a few of the German Quakers who 
came in with Penn, are preserved. 

Among the very first, whose name has been handed down, 
is that of Henry Fry, who arrived two years before William 
Penn. His widow was still living in 1754.* One Plattenbach 
came a few years later.f In 1682, a considerable number 
came from Cresheim — these were principally Quakers. They 
settled at Germantown. About the year 1684 or '85, a com- 
pany was formed in Germany, called the "Frankfort Land 
Company," consisting at first of ten gentlemen, living in Frank- 
fort, on the Mayne; their articles were executed in that city 
on the 24th of November, 1686. They seem to have been 
men of note by the use of each of his separate seal. Their 
names w^ere G. Van Mastrick, Thomas V. Wylick, .lohn Le 
Bran, F. Dan. Pastorious, John J. Schuetz, Daniel Eehagel, 
Jacobus Van Dewaller, John W. Peterson, Johannes Kimber, 
Balthasur Jowest. They bought 25,000 acres of land from 
Penn. The Germantown patent for 5350, and the- Manatau- 
ney patent for 22,377 acres. T. D. Pastorious was api.ointed 
the attorney for the company, and after his resignation, Dan. 
Faulkner was in 1708 made attorney. 

In 1708, 1709, ItflO to 1720, thousands of them emigrated 
who were known as Palatines, because they had come from 
tlie Palatinate, whither some had been forced to flee from their 
homes in other parts of Europe. Many of these had gone first 
to England on the invitation of Queen Anne, at whose bounty, 
not a few were transported to America. Hundreds of them 
were gratuitously furnished with rehgious and useful books, be- 
fore their departure by the Read Anton Wilhelm Eoehm, 
Courtchaplain, of St. James. The principal book was Arndt's 
* Hal. Nach. t Ibid. 



HISTORY OF BERKS ANI> LEBANON COUNTIES. 93 

Wahres Christenthuraj Among these German emigrants were 
Mennonites, Dunkards, German Reformed, and Lutherans. 
Their number was so great, as to draw the remarks from 
James Logan, secretary of the Province of Pennsylvania, in 
1717 — "We have," said he, "of late, great number of Pala- 
tines poured in upon us without any recommendation or notice, 
which gives the country some uneasiness, £or foreigners do not 
so well among us as our own English people!"' 

In 1719, Jonathan Dickinson remarks, "We are daily ex- 
pecting ships from London which bring over Palatines, in num- 
ber about six or seven thousand. We had a parcel who came 
out about five years ago, who purchased land about sixty miles 
west of Philadelphia, and prove quiet and industrious. Some 
few came from Ireland lately, and more are expected thence.* 
This is besides our common supply from Wales and England. 
Our friends do increase mightily, and a great people there is in 
the wilderness, which is fast becoming a fruitful field." 

From 1720 to 1725, the number of Germans from the Pala- 
tinate, Wurtenberg, Darmstadt, &c., increased; these settled 
principally in what is Montgomery, Berks, and Lancaster 
county. Those who came in between 1720 and 1725, were 
accompanied by ministers of the gospel, and some schoolmas- 
ters — among the German Reformed was Rev. Bochm, whohad 
come in prior to 1720, and Rev. George Michael Weiss-, who 
came subsequent to 1720. Among the Lutheran ministers were 
the Rev. Falckner, Hinckel, and Stoever. Their schoolmas- 
ters, for the want of a supply of ministers, read sermons and 
prayers. Among the Dunkards were the Rev. Peter Becker, 
and Alexander Mack, as ministers. 

In the period between 1720 and 1725, a number of Ger- 
mans emigrated from the State of New York, and settled at 
Tulpehocken. Of these, a detailed account will be given when 
speaking of Tulpehocken township. 

From 1725 to 1740, there was another great influx of Ger- 
mans of various religious opinions, German Reformed, Luthe- 
rans, Catholics, Moravians, and Swenckfelders, arrived ; of the 
latter, a particular account will be given when speaking of 
Herford township. It appears from a letter written by James 
Logan, in 1725, that many of the Germans were not overscru- 
pulous in their compliance with the regulations of the Land 
* These were the Mennonites in Pequea valley. 



92 HISTORY OF BERKS. AND LEBANON COUNTIES., 

Office. He says, and perhaps with much truth, "they come 
in, in crowds, and as bold, indigent strangers from Germany, 
where many of them have been soldiers. All these go in the 
best vacant tracts, and seize upon them as places of common 
spoil. He says they rarely approach him on their arrival to 
propose to purchase; and when they are sought out and chal- 
lenged for their rights of occupancy, they allege it was pub- 
lished in Europe that we wanted and solicited for colonists, and 
had a superabundance of land, and, therefore, they had come 
without the means to pay. The Germans in after time em- 
broiled with the Indians at Tulpehocken, threatening a serious 
affair. In general, those who sat down without titles acquired 
enough in a few years, to buy them, and so generally they 
were left unmolested. 

The character then known to him, he states, are many of 
them a surly people — divers of them Papists — the men well 
armed, and, as a body, a warlike, morose race. In 1727, he 
states that 6000 Germans more are expected, (and also many 
from Ireland,) and these emigrations, he hopes, may be pre- 
vented in future by act of parliament, else he fears those colo- 
nies will, in time, be lost to the crown! — a future act. 

" In 1729, he speaks of being glad to observe the influx of 
strangers, as likely to attract the interference of parliament; for 
truly, says he, they have danger to apprehend for a country 
where not even a militia exists for government support. To 
arrest in some degree their arrival, the Assembly assessed a tax 
of twenty shillings a head on new arrived servants. 

"In another letter, he says, the numbers from Germany at 
this rate will soon produce a German colony here, and perhaps 
such an one as Britain once received from Saxony in the fifth 
century. He even states as among the apprehended schemes 
of Sir William Keith, the former governor, that he, Harland 
and Gould, have had sinister projects of forming an independ- 
ent province in the west, to the westward of the Germans, to- 
wards the Ohio — probably west of the mountains, and to be 
supplied by his fiends among the Palatines and Irish, among 
whom was his chief populai ity at that time. 

From 1740 to 1752, emigrants came in by hundreds. In 
the autumn of 1749, not less than twenty vessels, with Ger- 
man passengers, to the number of twelve thousand, arrived at 
Philadelphia. In 1750, 1751, and 1752, the number was not 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES.. 9& 

much less. Among those who emigrated in the years from 
1740 to 1752, there were many who bitterly lamented that 
they had forsaken their houses, for the Province of Pennsylva- 
nia. At that time there was a class of Germans who had re- 
sided some time in Pennsylvania, well known by the name of 
.JVeulaender, who made it their business to go to Germany and 
prevail on their countrymen to sacrifice their property, and 
embark for America. In many instances persons in easy cir- 
cumstances at home, with a view to better their condition, come 
to America, but to their sorrow found that their condition was 
rendered none the better, but in numerous instances worse, if 
not wretched. Others again, who had not the means of paying 
their passage across the Atlantic, were, on their arrival at Phi- 
ladelphia, exposed at public auction to serve for a series of 
years to pay their passage. Those, thus disposed of, were 
termed Redemptioners. The Palatine Redemptions were usu- 
ally sold at ten pounds, for from three to five years servitude. 
Many of them, after serving out their time faithfully, became, 
by frugality and industry, some of the most wealthy and influ- 
OJitial citizens of the State. The years that were peculiarly 
remarkable for the importation of Palatine Redemptions were 
1728, '29, '37, '41, '50, and '51. 

In 1751, the writer's paternal grandfather, (a native of 
Zinsheim,) Jonas Rupp, arriv<d in the ship Phoenix, com- 
manded by Captian Spurrier, September 25th. Out of four 
hundred and twelve who embarked in the same vessel, only one 
hundred and eighty survived to land at Philadelphia, and of 
these, many died soon after their arrival.* Rupp and others 
were exposed at auction, as Redemptioners. Leonard Umber- 
ger, near Lebanon, bought him, with whom he served two 
years and six months, on a farm, now owned by Mr. Lichty, 
near Lebanon. At the expiration of his term he married the 
step-daughter of Mr. Umberger, — a Miss Elizabeth Burst, 
whose father had died in 1741, and her mother, Barbara Burst, 
the widow of Michael Burst, deceased, had intermarried with 
Leonard Umberger. 

A few years after his marriage, he settled several miles south 
of Millerstown. In 1771 he sold his tract of land to one Sieg, 
and moved to Cumberland, and settled among the Irish, who 
* Provincial Records, for 1751. 



94 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES; 

have since been nearly wholly supplanted by the Germans. . He 
died at an advanced age in 1801. 

"In later times, say about the year 1753 to 1756, the Ger- 
mans having become numerous, and therefore powerful as maker 
mights in the political balance, were much noticed in the publi- 
cations of the day. They were at that period of time, in gene- 
ral, very hearty co-operators with the Quakers or Friends, then 
in considerable rule in the Assembly. A MSS. pamphlet in 
the Franklin Library at Philadelphia, supposed to have been 
written by Samuel Wharton, in 1755, shows his ideas of the 
passing events, saying, that the party on the side of the Friends 
derived much of their influence over the Germans, through the 
aid of C. Sauers, who published a German paper in German- 
town, from the time of 1729, and which, being much read by 
that people, influenced them to the side of the Friends, and hos- 
tile to the governor and council. Through this means, says 
he, they have persuaded them that there was a design to en- 
slave them; to enforce their young men, by a contemplated 
militia law, to become soldiers, and to load them down with 
taxes, &c., from such causes, he adds, have they come down in 
shoals to vote, (of course, many from Berks,) and carrying all 
before them. To this I may, says Watson, add, that I have 
heard from the Norris family, that their ancestors in the As- 
sembly were warmly pati'onized by the Germans in union with 
Friends. His alarms at this German influence at the polls, and 
his proposed remedies for the then dreaded evils, as they show 
the prevalent feelings of his associates in politics, may serve to 
amuse the present generation. He says the best effects of these 
successes of the Germans will probably be felt through many 
generations I Instead of a peaceable, industrious people as be- 
fore, they are grown now insolent, sullen, and turbulent, — in 
some counties threatening even the lives of all those who op- 
pose their views, because they are taught to regard govern- 
ment and slavery as one and the same thing. All who are not 
of their party, they call " Governor's men,'' and themselves, 
they deem strong enough to make the country their own ! In- 
deed, they come in, in such force, say upwards of 5000 in the 
last year, I see not but they may soon be able to give us law 
and language too, or else, by joining the French, eject all the 
English. That this may be the case, is too much to be feared, 



mSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 95 

for almost to a man they refused to bear arms in the time of 
the late war, and they say, it is all one to them which king 
gets the country, as their estates will be equally secure. In- 
deed it is clear that the French have turned their hopes upon 
this great body of Germans. They hope to allure them by 
grants of Ohio lands. To this end, they send their Jesuitical 
emissaries among them to persuade them over to the Popish 
religion. In concert with this, the French for so many years 
have encroached on our province, and now are so near their 
scheme as to be within two days march of some of our back 
settlements" — alluding, of course, to the state of the w^estern 
wilds, overrun by French and Indians just before the arrival of 
Braddock's forces in Virginia, in 1755. 

" The writer (Wharton) imputes their WTong bias in general 
to their "stubborn genius and ignorance," which he proposes 
to soften by education — a scheme still suggested as necessary 
to give the general mass of the inland country Germans right 
views of public individual interests. To this end, he proposes 
that faithful Protestant ministers and schoolmasters should be 
supported among them. That their children should be taught 
the English tongue; the government in the meantime should 
suspend their right of voting for members of Assembly ; and to 
incline them the sooner to become English in education and 
feeling, we should compel them to make all bonds and other le- 
gal writings in English, and no newspaper or almanac be cir-r 
culated among them unless also accompanied by the English 
thereof" 

"Finally," the writer concludes, that "without some such 
measure I see nothing to prevent this province from falling into 
the hands of the French." 

A scheme to educate the Germans, as the one alluded to, 
was put on foot about the year 1755, and carried on for seve- 
ral years. The details of this scheme are given at the close of 
this chapter. 

Nine-tenths of the first settlers of Berks coimty were Ger- 
mans. They made settlements early, on the east side of the 
Schuylkill on Mahanatawny creek, and in Oley township. Those 
who had located themselves in the lower parts of the county, 
were attacked by some Indians in 1728. In the Colonial Re- 
cords it is said that at Mahanatawny Ironworks, a skirmish 
occurred between the inhabitants of that region of country, and 



96 History of Berks and Lebanon counties. 

a party of foreign Indians. Intelligence thereof reaching Govv 
'Gordon, he, and divers gentlemen, left there on Friday, the 
iOth of May, 1728, for Mahanatawny. On his return to Phi* 
ladelphia, he met the council. May 15th, "and acquainted the 
board that he had just retured from Mahanatawny, where he 
found the people in very great disorder, by the noise of the 
skirmish that happened between some of our people and a small 
party of Indians; that many of the back inhabitants had quitted 
their houses, and seemed under great apprehensions of numbers 
of Indians coming to attack them; that sevtral Palatine fami- 
lies,* numbering some hundreds of persons, were gathered to- 
gether at a mill near New Hanover township^ in order to defend 
themselves, and that there he saw the man who was said to 
have been killed by the Indians, but he appeared to be only 
slightly wounded in the belly." The report had been, that the 
Indians had fired upon some of our people, had wounded seve- 
ral slightly, and one man mortally .f That having examined 
several persons there and at Colebrookdale, touching the said 
Indians, he understood that they were eleven in number 
"painted for war, armed with pistols, guns, &c.,"J and had 
been in that neighborhood for some days; that they w^ere all 
armed, and had a Spanish Indian for their captain, and that 
having been rude in several houses, where they forced the peo- 
ple to supply them with victuals and drink ; some of our inha- 
bitants, to the number of twenty, were armed with gun? ant! 
swords, went in search of the Indians, and coming up with them 
they sent two of their number to treat with the captain, who, 
instead of receiving them civilly, brandished his sword and 
commanded his men to fire, which they did, and wounded two 
of ours, who, thereupon, returned their fire ; upon which they 
saw the captain fall, but he afterwards got up and ran into the 
woods after his party, having left his gun and watch coat be- 
hind, and that since that time they had been seen no more."§ 

From subsequent communications from some of the chiefs, the 
skirmish above alluded to, was between some Shawanese In- 
dians on the one part, and the whites on the other. "|| You 
have heard, said Gordon, to Sassoonan and others, at a coun- 
cil held at Philadelphia, January 4, 1728, my brethren, that 
some Shawanese, about twenty days ago, came from about Pe- 

* Col. Rec. vol. 3, p. 330. f Ibid, 320. | Ibid, 330 

^ Ibid, 321. !! Ibid, 333. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 97 

choquealin, armed with guns, pistols and swords, and painted 
for war; they fell in amongst some of our inhabitants, and be- 
haved fooUshly ; our people thought they were strange Indians, 
and believed there were much greater numbers behind in the 
woods; they met together with arms to defend themselves, 
&c."* 

From a verbal message to the Governor from Kakow-watchy, 
chief of the Shawanese, sent by Nichola? and Schonhoven, two 
Indian traders from Pechoqueahin, near Durham Ironworks, 
Berks county, it appears, that the Shawanese had heard that 
the Flatliead Indians, were come into the Province with a de- 
sign to make war upon the Indians here — Kakow-v/atchy had 
sent eleven of his armed men to enquire into the truth of the 
report, with orders to assist our Indians in case that the same 
should be true — that their provisions failed them, and that they 
were obliged to get provisions from the white inhabitants to 
subsist upon; but that the Indians oiTered no rudeness till the 
whites used them ill, and fired upon them. 

Kakow-watchy expressed great sorrow for what had hap- 
pened, and sent assurances, that he has a great love for all his 
white brethren, but that one of their number is wounded, and 
lost his gun, which he desired might be returned. 

The above message was submitted by the Governor to the 
Board, who returned Kakow-watchy a message, informing 
him, that they considered the conduct of the eleven Indians 
very imprudent; that they regretted the consequences which 
resulted from this imprudence; warning them to be more cau- 
tious hereafter in their future behaviour, and that the gun 
spoken of should be enquired for.f 

As early as 1723, a considerable settlement was made in 
Tulpehocken, by Germans, who had emigrated from Nevr 
York, on an invitation by Sir William Keith, when he was at 
Albany. For a particular account of their emigration, the 
reader is referred to the chapter, " Tulpehocken.^^ 

Many of the names of the first settlers at Tulpehocken, are 
preserved in the Provincial Records. An extract from the 
Records, bemg a petition from those Germans, contains some 
-of the names. 

* Col. Rec. vol, 3, p. 336. f Ibid, 327. 

9 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 



" To his Excellency, William Keith, Baronet Govermyr of 
Pennsylvania, ^c, fyc, the Honorable Council. 
" The petition of us, the subscribers, being thirty-three fami- 
lies in number, at present inhabiting Tulpehocken creek, 
"Humbly Sheweth, 
" That your petitioners being natives of Germany, about fif- 
teen years ago, were by the great goodness and royal bounty 
of her late Majesty, Queen Anne, relieved from the hardships 
which they then suffered in Europe, and were transported into 
the colony of New York, where they settled.* But their fami- 
lies increasing, being in that Government confined to the scanty 
allowance of ten acres of land to each family, whereon they 
could not well subsist. Your petitioners being informed of the 
kind reception which their countrymen usually meet with in the 
Province of Pennsylvania, and hoping they might, with what 
substance they had, acquire larger settlements in that Pro- 
vince, did last year, (in the spjing of 1723,) leave their settle- 
ments in New York Government, and came with their families 
into this province, where, upon their arrival, they applied them- 
selves to His Excellency, the Governor, who, of his great good- 
ness, permitted them to inhabit upon Tulpehaca creek, (being 
the farthest inhabited part of the province northwest of Phila- 
delphia,) on condition that they should make full satisfaction to 
the proprietor or his agents, for such lands as should be allotted 
them, when they were ready to receive the same. And now, 
your petitioners, understanding that some gentlemen, agents of 
the proprietor, have ample power to dispose of lands in this 
province. And we, your petitioners, being willing and ready 
to purchase, do humbly beseech your Excellency and Council 
to recommend us to the favorable usage of the proprietor's 
agents, that upon paying the usual prices for lands at such dis- 
tance from Philadelphia, we may have sufficient rights and 
titles made to us for such lands as we shall have occasion to 
buy, that our children may have some settlement to depend on 
hereafter, and that by your authority we may be freed from 
the demands of the Indians of that part of the country, who 

♦ Ten vessels or ships with about four thousand Palatines arrived at 
New York, June 13, 1710. — Conrad Weisgr^s private German MSS. Journal. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 99 

pretend a right thereto. And we humbly beg leave to inform 
your Excellency and Council, that there are fifty families more 
who, if they may be admitted upon the same conditions, are de- 
sirous to come and settle with us. We hope for your faA^ora- 
ble answer to this our humble request, and as in duty boimd 
shall ever pray, &c. 

Johannes Yans, Johannes Claes Shaver, 

Peter Ritt, Jo. Hameler Ritt, 

Conrad Schitz, Antonis Shart, 

Paltus Unsf, Johan Peter Pacht, 

Toritine Serbo, Jacham Michael Cricht, 

Josap Sab, Sebastian Pisas, 

Jorge Ritt, Andrew Falborn, 

Godfreyt Filler. 

117" The names to the petition being mostly in a deep Grer- 
man hand, could not be read, but by one skilled in German 
ritinp-: thev are e-iven as above.* 



zua.li iianu, uuuiu iiut uc icau, uut 

writing; they are given as above.* 



The following is the scheme alluded to in a preceding page 
for instructing the Germans: 

" A brief history of the rise and progress of the charitable 
society, carrying on by a society of noblemen and gentlemen 
in London, for the relief and instruction of poor Germans and 
their descendants, settled in Pennsylvania, &c., published for 
the information of those whom it may concern, by James Ham- 
ilton, William Alien, Richard Peters, Benjamin Franklin, and 
Conrad Weiser, Esquires, and the Rev. William Smith, Trus- 
tees Genera], appointed for the management of the said charita- 
ble scheme. 

For several years past, the small number of Reformed Pro- 
testant ministers, settled among the German emigrants in Penn- 
sylvania, and finding the harvest great, but the laborers few, 
have been deeply affected with a true Christian concern, for 
the welfare of their distressed countrymen, and the salvation of 
their precious souls. In consequence of this, they have from 
time to time, in the most solemn and moving manner, entreated 
the churches of Holland, to commisserate their unhappy fellow 
Christians, who mourn under the deepest affliction, being set- 
tled in a remote corner of the world, where the light of the goS" 
* Col. Rec, vol. 3, p. 341. 



100 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

pel has but lately reached, and where they are very much des- 
titute of the means of knowledge and salvation. 

The churches of Holland, being accordingly moved with 
friendly compassion, did, from time to time, contribute to the 
support of religion in these remote parts. But in the year 
1751, a very moving representation of their state having been 
made by a person, whose unwearied labors for the benefit of 
his dear countrymen have been for some years conspicuous, the 
states of Holland aud West Frisland, granted 2000 gilders per 
annum, for five years, from that time, to be applied towards the 
instruction of the said Germans and their children, in Pennsyl- 
vania. A considerable sum was also collected in the city of 
Amsterdam, and elsewhere, and upon a motion made by the 
same zealous person, the Rev. Mr. Thomson* was commis- 
sioned by the Synod of Holland, and Classis of Amsterdam, to 
solicit the friendly assistance of the churches of England and 
Scotland. 

When Mr. Thomson arrived in Great Britain, he found the 
readiest encouragement among persons of the first rank, both in 
church and State. In this peculiar glory of the British gov- 
^ernment, equally to consult the happiness of all who live under 
it, however remote, wherever born, or of whatsoever denomina- 
tion. Wicked and inhuman tyrants, whose ambition is to rule 
over slaves, find it their interest to keep the people ignorant. 
But, in a virtuous and free government, like that of Great Bri- 
tain, the case is far otherwise. By its very nature and spirit, 
it desires every member of the community enlightened with 
useful knowledge, and especially the knowledge of the blessed 
gospel, which contains the best and most powerful motives for 
making good subjects, as well as good men. Considered in 
this light, Mr. Thomson's design could not fail to be encour- 
aged in our mother country, since it was evidently calculated 
to save a multitude of most industrious people from the gloom 
of ignorance, and qualify them for the enjoyment of all those 
privileges, to which it is now their good fortune to be ad- 
mitted, in common with the happy subjects of a free Protestant 
government. 

Mr. Thomson having thus made his business known in Eng- 
land, and prepared the way for encouragement there, he, in the 

* Mr. T. is a minister of one of the English churches in Amsterdam, and 
a member of said Synod and Classis. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, 101 

meajitime, went down to Scotland; and, himself being known 
in that country, he represented the case to the General Assem- 
bly of the church, then sitting at Edinburgh, upon which a 
national collection was made, amounting to upwards of £1200 
sterling. Such an instance of generosity is one out of mafiy, 
to show how ready that church has always been to contribute 
towards the advancement of Truth, Virtue, and Freedom. 

Mr. Thomson, upon his return from Scotland, found that his 
pastoral duty called him back to Holland. He saw likewise 
that it would be absolutely necessary to have some person in 
London, not only to manage the monies already collected, but 
also to solicit and receive the contributions of the rich and the 
benevolent in England, where nothing had yet been collected » 
and where much might be hoped for. With this view, he 
begged a certain number of noblemen* and gentlemen, of the 
first rank, to take the management of the design upon them- 
selves. 

This proposal was readily agreed to by those noble and 
worthy persons. They were truly concerned to find that there 
were any of their fellow subjects, in any part of the British 
dominions, not fully provided with the means cf knowledge and 
salvation. They considered it a matter of the greatest import- 
ance to the cause of Christianity in general, and the protestant 
interest in particular, not to neglect such a vast bcdy of useful 
people, situated in a dark and barren region, with almost none 
to instruct them, or their helpless children, who are coming 
forward in the world in multitudes, and exposed an easy prey 
to the total ignorance of their savage neighbors on the one 
hand, and the corruption of our Jesuitical enemies, on whom 
they border, on the other hand ; and of whom there are always, 
perhaps, too many mixed among them. Moved by these in- 
teresting considerations, the said noblemen and gentlemen, with 
a consideration peculiar to great and generous souls, did accord- 

* The first members of this society were as follows, though we believe 
several are added this winter, (1775,) whose names have not yet been trans- 
mitted to ns. 

The Right Hon. Earl of Shaftesbury, Earl of Morton, Earl of Finlater, 
and Lord Willoughby, of Parham. Sir Luke Schaub, and Sir Joshua Van 
Neck, J'aronets. Mr. Commission Vernon, Mr. Chitly, and Mr. Fluddyer. 
Aldermen of London. John Fancc, Robert Furguson, and Nathaniel Paice, 
Esqrs., of London. Rev. Benjamin Avory, L. L. D., Rev. Thomas Birch, 
1). D., Rev. Mr. Casper Wetstein, Rev. Mr. David ThoiusoB, and Rev 
Samuel Chandler, Secretary. 

9* 



102 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

ingly take the good design into their immediate protection, and 
formed themselves into a society for the effectual management 
of it. 

The first thing said society did, was to agree to a liberal 
subscription among themselves; and, upon laying the case be- 
fore the king. His Majesty, like a true father of his people, 
granted .£1000 towards it. Her Royal Highness, the Princess 
Dowager of Wales, granted .£100; and the honorable proprie- 
tors of this province, willing to concur in every design for the 
ease and welfare of their people, generously engaged to give a 
considerable sum yearly for promoting the most essential part 
of the undertaking. From such a fair beginning, and from 
some hopes they reasonably entertain of a more public nature, the 
honorable doubt not of their being able to complete such a fund 
as may effectually answer their pious design, in time coming. 
In the meantime they have come to the following general re- 
solutions, with regard to the management of the whole. 

I. To assist the people in the encouragement of pious and 
industrious protestant ministers that are, or shall be regularly 
ordained and settled among the said Germans, or their descen- 
dants, in America ; beginning first in Pennsylvania, where the 
want of ministers is greatest, and proceeding to the neighbor- 
ing British colonies, as they shall be enabled by an increase of 
their funds. 

II. To establish some charitable schools for the pious educa- 
tion of German youths of all denominations, as well as those 
English youths who may reside among them. Now^ as a reli- 
gious education of youth, while the tender mind is yet open to 
every impression, is the most effectual means of making a peo- 
ple wise, virtuous, and happy, the honorable society have de- 
clared that they have this part of their design, in a particular 
manner, at heart; it being chiefly from the care that shall ha 
taken of the rising generation, that they expect the success of 
their whole undertaking. 

III. The said honorable society, considering that they reside 
at too great a distance, either to know what ministers deserve 
their encouragement, or what places are most convenient to fix 
the schools in, — and as they would neither bestow their bounty 
on any who cio not deserve it ; therefore they have devolved 
the general execution of the whole upon us, under the name of 
Trustee General, for the management of their charity among 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 103 

the German emigrants in America. And as our residence is in 
this province, where the chief body is settled, and where we 
may acquaint them with the circumstances of the people, the 
generous society hope that we cannot be imposed upon, or de- 
ceived, in the direction or application of their excellent charity. 

IV. And lastly, considering that our engagements in other 
matters, would not permit us personally to consult with thc- 
people in the country, nor to visit the schools as often as it 
might be necessary for their success, the honorable society have, 
out of their true fatherly care, appointed the Rev. Mr. Schlat- 
ter, to act under our direction, as Visitor or Svpervisor of the 
schools, knowing that he has already taken incredible paina 
in this whole aflair, and being acquainted with the people in all 
parts of the country, can converse with them on the spot, and 
bring us the best advices from time to time, concerning the 
measures fit to be taken. 

This is a brief history of the rise and progress of this noble 
charity, till it was committed to our management, under which 
we hope it shall be so conducted, as fully to answer the expec- 
tation of the worthy society, and give all reasonable satisfaction 
to the parties for whose benefit it is intended. We shall spare 
no pains to inform ourselves of the wants and circumstances of 
the people; as will appear by the following plan which we 
have concerted for the general examination of our trust, leaving 
room to alter or amend it, as circumstances shall require, and 
time discover defects in it. 

With regard to that part of the society's design which pro- 
poses the encouragement of pious protestant ministers, we shall 
impartially proportion the monies set apart for this purpose ac- 
cording to the instruction of the said society; as soon as such 
ministers shall put it in our power so to do, by making tlieir 
labors and circumstances known to us, either by their own per- 
sonal application, or by means of Mr. Schlatter, or any other 
creditable person. 

As to the important article of establishing schools, the fol- 
lowing general plan is proposed, which may be from time to 
time, improved or perfected. 

1st. It is intended that every school to be opened upon this 
charity, shall be equally to the benefit of pn testant youth of 
all denominations; and therefore the education will be in such 
tbijigs as are generally useful to advance industry and true 



104 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

godliness. The youth will be instructed in both the English 
and German languages; likewise in writing, keeping of com- 
mon accounts, singing of Psalms, and the true principles of the 
holy protcstant religion, in the same manner as the fathers of 
those Germans were instructed, at the schools in those coun- 
tries from which they came. ' 

2dly. As it may be of great service to religion and industry, 
to have some schools for girls, also, we shall use our endeavors 
with the honorable society, to have some few school mistresses 
encouraged, to teach reading, and the use of the needle. And 
though this was no part of the original design, yet as the so- 
ciety have nothing but the general good of all at heart, we 
doubt not they w^ill extend their benefaction for this charitable 
purpose also. 

3dly. That all may be induced, in their early youth, to seek 
the knowledge and love of God, in that manner which is most 
agreeable to their own consciences, the children of all protes- 
tant denominations, English and Dutch, (German) shall be in- 
structed in catechism of sound doctrine, which is approved of 
and used by their own parents and ministers. All unreasonable 
sort of compulsion and partiality is directly opposite to the de- 
sign and spirit of this charity, which is generously undertaken 
to promote useful knowledge, true religion, public peace, and 
Christian love, among all ranks and denominations. 

4thly. For the use of the schools, the several catechisms that 
are now taught among the Calvinists, Lutherans, and other 
protestant denominations, will be printed in English and Dutch, 
(German) and distributed among the poor, together with some 
other good books, at the expense of the society. 

Sthly. In order that all parents may be certain of having 
justice done to their children, the immediate care and inspection 
of every school will be committed to a certain number of sober 
and respectable persons, living near the place where every such 
school shall be fixed. These persons will be dencminattd Jis- 
nstant or Deputy Trustees; and it will be their business, 
iponthly or quarterly, to visit that particular school for which 
they are appointed, and see that both master and scholars do 
their duty. It will also be their business to send an account 
of the state and progress of the schools, at every such visita- 
tion, to us as Trustees General. These accounts we shall 
transmit from Philadelphia to the society in London; and the 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 10'5 

W)ciety will from time to time, be enabled, by these means, to 
lay the state of the whole schools before the public ; and thus 
charitable and well disposed people, both in Great Britain and 
Holland, seeing the good use that has been made of their former 
contributions, will be inclined to give still more and more for 
so glorious and benevolent an undertaking. 

This method cannot tail to be of great advantage to the 
schools, since the Deputy Trustees, being part of the very peo- 
ple for whom the work is undertaken, and having their own 
children at the same schools, they must have an interest in the 
reputation of them, and do all in their power to advance good 
education in them. Besides this, being always near at hand, 
they can advise and encourage the master, and help him over 
any difficulties he may meet with. 

But, 6thly. As the keeping tip a spirit of emulation among 
the youth is the life of all schools, therefore, that we may leave 
as little room as possible for that remissness, which sometimes 
hurts charities of this nature, we shall, as far as our situation 
will permit, have a personal regard to the execution of the 
whole. As the Assistant Trustees may after want cur advice 
in removing difficulties . and making new regulations, we shall 
so contrive it, that Mr. Schlatter shall be present with them at 
their quarterly meetings, to consult with them, and concert the 
proper measures to be taken. Besides this, we shall have one 
general visitation of the whole schools every year, at which 
one or more of us shall endeavor to be present. On these oc- 
casions, such regulations shall be made, as niay be wanted; 
and careful inquiry will be made whether any parents think 
themselves injured, by any unjust exclusion of their children 
from an equal benefit of the common charity, or by the par- 
tiality of the masters or otherwise. At such visitations, books 
will be given as rewards and encouragement, to the diligent 
and deserving scholars. The masters will likewise have pro- 
per marks of esteem shown them in proportion to their fidelity 
and industry in the discharge of their office. 

7thly. With regard to the number of schools to be opened,, 
that will depend partly on the encouragement given by 
the people themselves, and partly on the increase of the so- 
ciety's funds. A considerable number of places are proposed 
to fix schools in ; but none are yet absolutely determined upoa. 



106 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON rOUNTIES. 

but New Hanover, New Providence, and Reading.* These 
places were first fixed upon because the people of all persua- 
sions, Lutherans, Calvinists, and other Protestants, moved with 
a pious and fatherly concern for the illiterate state of their 
helpless children, did, wuth true Christian harmony, present 
their petitions, praying that their numerous children of all de- 
nominations in these parts, might be made the common object 
of the intended charity. And for this benevolent purpose, they 
did further agree to offer school houses in which their children 
might be instructed together, as dear fellow Christiars, redeemed 
by the same common Lord and Saviour, and travelling to the 
same heavenly country, through this valley of tears, notwith- 
standing they may sometimes take roads a little different in 
points of smaller moment. 

This striking example of "imanimity and good agreement 
among all denominations, we hope, will be imitated by those 
who shall afterwards apply to us for fixing schools among 
them; since it is only upon the aforesaid generous plan for the 
common benefit of all, that we find ourselves empowered to in- 
stitute such schools. But while the petitions are agreeable to 
this, our plan, as now explained, they will not be overlooked, 
as long as the funds continue. And if the petitioners shall re- 
commend school masters, as was the case at New Hanover, 
New Providence, and Reading, such school masters will have 
the preference, provided they are men of sufficient probity and 
knowledge, agreeable to all parties, and acquainted with both 
the English and Dutch (German) languages, or willing to 
learn either of these languages which they may not then be 
perfectly acquainted with. . 

These are essential qualifications; and unless the generous 
society had made provision for teaching English as well as 
Dutch, (German) it would not have answered their benevotent 
design, which is to qualify the Germans for all the advantages 
of native English subjects. But this could not have been done, 

* Since the original publication, petitions have been sent to the Trustees 
General, from TTpper Solfort, from Vincent township, in Chester county, 
from the boroup;h of Lancaster, from Tulpehocken, and several other places, 
all which will be considered as soon as possible. Feb. 25, 1755. — Penna. 
Qazette. 

Note. — Schools were also established in 175G, besides the places men- 
tioned, at Lancaster, York, and several other places. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 107 

without giving them an opportunity of learning English, by 
speaking of which they may expect to rise to places of profit 
and honor in the country. They will likewise be thereby cna- 
bled to buy or sell to the greater advantage in our markets, to 
understand their own causes in courts of justice, where plead- 
ings are in EngUsh, to know what is doing in the country 
around them, and, in a word, to judge and act entirely for 
themselves without being obliged to take things upon the word 
of others, whose interest it may be to deceive and mislead 
them. 

We have only further to add, that having thus published, in 
our names, a true and faithful account of the rise and progress 
of this excellent charity, down to the present time, we hope it 
will candidly be received as such, and prevent many wrong 
conjectures and insinuations, that might otherwise have been 
made, if we had not given this genuine and necessary informa- 
tion concerning it. From the foregoing plan it plainly appears, 
that as the chief management is in the people themselves, it 
must be entirely their own faults, if these schools do not become 
the greatesjt blessing to many generations, that ever was pro- 
posed in this country. Such, and so benevolent are the designs 
of this new society ! 

And surely, now, we may be permitted in their name, to 
address you, countrymen and fellow Christians, for whose bene- 
fit the great work is undertaken! We cannot but entreat you 
to consider, of what importance such a scheme must be to you, 
and your children after you. We are unwilling to believe that 
there are any persons, who do not heartily wish success to a 
design so pious and benevolent. But, if, unhappily for them- 
selves, there should be any such among us, we are bound in cha- 
rity to suppose they have never yet reflected that, whilst they 
indulge such wishes, they are in fact acting a part, plainly re- 
pugnant to the interests of liberty, true religion, and even of 
human nature. 

Mankind in general are, perhaps, scarcely raised more, br 
their nature, above the brutes, than a man well instructed above 
the man of no knowledge or education; and whoever strives to 
keep a people in ignorance, must certainly harbor notions or 
designs that are unfavorable, either to their civil or religious 
liberty. For whilst a people are incapable of knowing their 
own interests, or judging for themselves, they cannot be gov- 



108 HISTORY OF EERKS AND LEBANON COUKTIES, 

erned by free principles, or by their own choice; and though 
they shouki not be immediate slaves of the government under 
wliich they live, yet they must be slaves or dupes to those 
whose councils they are obliged to have recourse to, and follow 
blindly on all occasions, which is the most dishonorable species 
of slavery. 

But on the other hand, a design for instructing a people, and 
adorning the minds of their children with useful knowledge, can 
carry nothing in it but what is friendly to liberty, and auspi- 
cious to all the most sacred interests of mankind. 

Were it otherwise, why are somany of the greatest and best 
men, both of the British and the German nations, engaged in the 
undertaking? Why have they, as it were, stooped from their 
high spheres, and even condescended to beg from house to 
house, in order to promote it! Is not all this done with the 
o-lorious intention of relievinjc from distressful ignorance that 
was like to foil upon you? Is it not done with a view to call 
you up to all the advantages of free and enlightened subjects, 
capable of thinking and acting for yourselves? And shall they 
call you in vain? God forbid! If by any infatuation, you 
should neglect the means of know^ledge and eternal happiness, 
now offered you, think seriously what must be the consequence. 
You will be accountable in the sight of Almighty God, not only 
for your own sad negligence, but for all that misei'y and slavery, 
which you may thereby entail upon your hapless offspring to 
the latest generations. Your very names will be held in abhor- 
rence by your own children, if, for the want of instruction, their 
privileges should either be abiidged here, or they should fall a 
prey to the error and slavery of our restless enemies. 

But on the contrary, if proper instruction are begun now, and 
constantly carried on among you, no design can ever be hatch- 
ed against your religion or liberties, but what you shall quick- 
ly be able to discover and defeat. All the arts of your enemies 
will be of no avail to sever you from your true interests, as men 
and as protestants. You shall know how to make the true use 
of all your noble privileges, and instead of moving in a dry and 
barren land, where no water is, you and your posterity shall 
flourish from age to age, in all that is valuable in human life. 
A barren region shall be turned into a fruitful country, and a 
thirsty land into pools of water. The wilderness and solitary 
place shall be glad through you, and the desert shall rejoice 
and blossom as the rose. Isa. 35. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 109 

That you may soon be placed in these happy circumstances, 
shall be our continual endeavor, as it is our sincere prayer. 
But if ever you hope to be so, or to transmit the glorious privi- 
leges of Protestants and Freemen to your posterity, we must 
observe, that in this time qf danger, (when a popish enemy has 
advanced far into our country, even to your very doors,) it be- 
comes you to be extremely jealous for your safety. It becomes 
you to exert yourselves for the calm enjoyment of that reUgion, 
for the sake of which you crossed the stormy occean, and en- 
countered the horrors of the desert. It becomes you to secure 
your children the full and free possession of these fair seats, 
which your own hands have formed out of the vast wilderness. 
Whatever unfavorable notions you may apprehend the govern- 
ment at home may have fallen into concerning your conduct, on 
account of the great distance "you may now be sure, that while 
you do your duty as good suDJects, we shall at all times pre- 
sent you in the most impartial light to the honorable society of 
London; and as this Society consists of some of the best and 
greatest men of the English nation, who have generously taken 
you and all your concerns under their protection, they will al- 
ways be glad to receive you in kind and acceptable terms, to 
the continuance of our most gracious Sovereign, 

By order, and in behalf the Trustees General. 

William Smith, Secretary. 

Philadelphia, Feb. 25, 1755. 



10 



CHAPTER VII. 



THE WELSH. 



In the very incipient stage of the first settlements made m 
the Province, many Welshmen arrived in Pennsylvania. They 
were of sterling worth and of a most excellent character. They 
were, says a certain writer, of the last century, " A hardy, ac- 
tive, hospitable and kind-hearted people — only a little hasty 
and quarrelsome." 

Among the most influential, at early day, was Thomas 
Lloyd, one of Penn's Deputy Governors. He died in 1694, 
aged fifty-four years. His father, says Proud, was a person of 
fortune, rank and esteem ; of an ancient family and estate, 
called Dolobran, in the North of Wales. Thomas Lloyd, the 
late Deputy Governor, was educated in the best schools ; from 
which he was removed to the University at Oxford ; where, it 
is said he attained considerable proficiency ; and being endow'* 
ed with good natural parts, and an amiable disposition of mind, 
he attracted the regard and esteem of persons of rank and fig- 
ure, and was afterwards in the way of considerable preferment 
in the world ; but being of a sober and religious way of think- 
ing, he joined with the Quakers, and renounced all worldly con- 
siderations, for that peace of mind, and real mortal felicity, 
which he believed to be the effect of true religion; and be- 
come a highly esteemed preacher in that Society. In conse- 
quence of which, having suffered much unmerited reproach, 
persecution and loss of property, in his native country, he af- 
terwards removed to Pennsylvania, among the first or early 
settlers, and was one of William Penn's most intimate friends. 
He was mostly one of the principal persons in the government, 
from his first arrival, and of very great service in the pubhc af- 
fairs."* 

The Welsh had early purchased of William Penn, in England, 
forty thousand acres of land, and settled on the west side of 
the Schuylkill river. Only a few years elapsed when their 
number weis considerably increased — it was sufficiently aug- 

Proud's Pa. I, 398. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Ill 

naented, that they had settled, before the year 1692, not less 
than six townships in Chester county. 

The custom of the Welsh, and that of the Swiss and Pala- 
tins, in settling parts of Pennsylvania, was similar. They 
would either purchase extensive tracts in England, to settle 
many of their friends in one body, as did the Menonites in Pe- 
quea valley in 1709 and 1710 ; or like the Frankfort company 
in 1686, or as they did, as just alluded to above; or they did 
in some instances, send persons across the Atlantic, to take up 
land for them, and make some preparation for the reception of 
their friends and families. 

Among the Welsh, who thus acted as pioneers, was the well 
known Row^land Ellis, who sent over Thomas Owen and fami- 
ly to commence a settlement. No sooner had O-u'en made im- 
provement, in which he spent a few years, when Ellis and one 
hundred other Welsh passengers left Wales, and embarked for 
America in 1686. 

In 1698 many other Welsh families arrived, among whom 
were William Jones, Thomas Evans, Robert Evans, Owen 
Evans, Cadwallader Evans, Hugh Griffith, Edward Foulke, 
John Humphrey, Robert Jones, and others, who purchased ten 
thousand acres of land from Robert Turner, in Guinedd town- 
ship, Chester county. 

Not many years afterward, the Welsh extended their settle- 
ments into the present borders of Berks county ; principally in 
the townships of Crernarvon, Brecknock, and Cumru. For the 
names of the first settlers, the reader is referred to the descrip- 
tion of the three named townships. 

They had settled in the midst of the Indians. It appears 
from the Colonial Records, and the public records at West 
Chester, (hat in 1728, two brothers, Welshmen, cruelly mur- 
dered some Indians on the frontiers. It is said, the brothers 
appear to have been maddened with sheer fright, and killed the 
first unoffending Indians they met.* The affray took place on 
or near the Cacoosing, or Cucussea creek ; as appears from the 
following extract: 

In 1728, two individuals, named John and Walter Winters, 

without any provocation given, cruelly murdered an Indian 

man and two women, who were of the friendly natives. They 

were, says Governor Gordon, most inhumanly knocked on the 

* Watson. 



112 HISTORY OF BERJCS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

head, by three or four of our people, and this without any pro-, 
vocation from the sufferers, that I could possibly learn. The 
Governor being at this time at Maxatany, immediately on hear- 
ing the melancholy news, by an express from Samuel Nutt^ 
Esq., repaired to Cucussea, and on his arrival, caused a " Hue 
and Cry" to be issued, for the apprehension of the perpetra- 
tors; three of whom were taken, and committed to Chester jail, 
and put in irons. The Governor likewii;e caused search to be 
be made for the dead bodies ; the two murdered women were 
found while he was there, who, by his order, were laid in a 
grave, covered with shirts and strowds, and buried. On further 
search the body of the Indian man was found and buried.* 

Before the Governor left, he called in other friendly Indians, 
who were not far from the neighborhood, to acquaint them ot 
the unhappy accident — using his utmost endeavor to prevent 
the worst impressions, or if such had already been made, to 
remove them— inviting them to attend a treaty, then contem- 
plated, to be held at Conestogue in the course of a few weeks. 

The descendants of the first Welsh settlers in the county, 
are numerous and respectable. Little or no Welsh is spoken 
by them at present. A few printed specimens of the Welsh 
language are presented; the first, the Lord's prayer, the se- 
cond the one hundred and thirty-fourth Psalm. Copied from 
a London edition of 1718, in the possession of George Ford, 
Esq., Lancaster, Pa. 

Ein Tad yr hwn yn y nefoedd, Sancteiddier dy Enw\ Deled 
dy deyrnas. Gwncler dy ewyllys, megis yn y nei, felly ar y 
ddaear hefyd. Dyro i ni heddyw ein bara beunyddiol. A 
madden i ni ein dyledion, fel y maddeuwn ninnau i'n dyledwyr. 
Ac nacarwain ni i brofedigaeth, eithr gwared ni rhagdrwg. 
Canys eiddot ti yw 'r deyrnas, a'r nearth, a'r gogoniant, yn 
oes oesoedd. Amen. 

PSALM cxxxiv. 

Wele holl weision Arglwydd nef, 

bendi thiwch ef, lie 'r ydych 
Yn feyfyll yn nhy Dduw y nos, 

ai gyntedtl diddos trefn-wych. 

*Col.Rec.,III, 320. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. IIS 

Dyrchhefwch chwi eich dwylo glan 

yn ei gysserg-lan annedd : 
A bendithiwch a chalon rwydd, 

yr Arglwydd yn gyfanneddw 

Yr Arglwydd, a'i ddeheulaw gref 

hwn a wnaeth Nef a daear, 
A roddo ei fendito a'i ras, 

i Scion ddijias howddgar. 



10* 



CHAPTER YIII. 

THE IRISH. 

The Irish emigrants, says Watson, did not begin to come to 
Pennsylvania till about the year 1719. Those which did come 
were generally from the north of Ireland. Such as come out 
first, generally settled at, and near the disputed Maryland line. 
James Logan, writing of them to the Proprietaries, in 1724, 
says, they have generally taken up the southern lands, (mean- 
ing in Lancaster, towards the Maryland line,) and as they 
rarely approached him to propose to purchase, he calls them 
bold and indigent strangers, saying as their excuse, when chal- 
lenged for titles, that we had solicited for colonists, and they 
had come accordingly. They were, however, understood to 
be a tolerated class, exempt from rents by an ordinance of 1720, 
in consideration of their being a frontier people, forming a kind 
of cordon of defence, if needful. They were soon called bad 
neighbors to the Indians, treating them disdainfully, and finally 
were the same race who committed the outrages called Pax- 
tang Massacre. The general ideas are found in the Logan 
MSS. collection. Some of the data are as follows: 

"In 1725, James Logan states, there that are so many as 
one hundred thousand acres of land, possessed by persons, (in- 
cluding Germans,) who resolutely set down and improved it 
without any right to it, and he is much at a loss to determine 
how to dispossess them. 

" In 1729, he expresses himself glad to find that the Parlia- 
ment is about to take measures to prevent the too free emigra- 
tion to this country. In the meantime the Assembly had laid 
a restraining tax of twenty shillings a head for every servant 
arriving; but even this was evaded in the case of the arrival 
of a ship from Dublin, with one hundred papists and convicts, 
by landing them at Burhngton. It looks, says he, as if Ire- 
land is to send all her inhabitants hither, for last week, not 
less than six ships arrived, and every day two or three arrive 
also. The common fear is, that if they continue to come. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. llij 

they will make themselves proprietors of the province. It is 
strange, says he, that they thus crowd where they are not 
wanted. But besides convicts are imported thither,* The 
Indians themselves are alarmed at the swarms of strangers, 
and we are afraid of a breach between them — for the Irish are 
very rough to them. 

"In 1730, he writes and complains of the Scotch Irish, in 
an audacious and disorderly manner, possessing themselves of 
the whole of Conestoga manor, of fifteen thousand acres, being 
the best land in the country. In doing this by force, they 
alleged that it was against the laws of God and nature, that 
so much land should be idle, while so many Christians wanted 
it to labor on, and to raise their bread, &c. The Paxtang 
boys were great sticklers for religion and scripture quotations 
against "the heathen." They were, how'ever, dispossessed 
by the Sheriff and his posse^ and their cabins, to the number of 
thirty, were burnt. This necessary violence was, perhaps, re- 
membered with indignation; for only twenty-five years after- 
wards, the Paxtang; massacre began by killing the Christian 
unoffending Indians found in Conestoga. The Irish were gene- 
rally settled at Donegal." 

But few Scotch Irish settled within the present hmits of 
Berks county. A respectable number settled in East Hano- 
ver township, Lancaster county, which is now partly included 
within the bounds of Lebanon county. For the names of the 
first Irish settlers, the reader is referred to the history of the 
towhship in the western part of Lebanon county. The Irish 
who settled here were Presbyterians. 

There are still some of the descendants of this "generous, 
quick-witted, hospitable, and cheerful people," occupying the 
farms first owned by their ancesto)-s. The Irish language 
which many of the first settlers spoke, is no longer spoken. 
To give the reader a specimen of the printed language of the 
sons of Erin, the writer has copied the Lord's prayer from 
Gr. Daniel's edition of an Irish Bible, printed in 1602. 

Air nathir ataigh air nin. Nabz fat hanimti. Tigiuh 

* Augustus Gun, of Cork, advertised in the Philadelphia papers, that 
he had powers from the Mayor of Cork, for many years, to procure servants, 
for America. 



116 HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANO.V COUNTIES. 

da riathiate. Deantur da hoilamhuoil Air nimh agis air 
thalarabi. Air naran laidthuil tabhair dhuiii a niomb. Agis 
math duin dairf, hiacha ammnil Agis mathum vid dar feu- 
thiinuiin. Ajjis na trilaic astoch sin anau sen. Ac sar sine 
ole. Amen. 



CHAPTER IX. 



ERECTION OF BERKS COUNTY. 



The lands on the Tulpehocken were still owned by the In- 
dians till 1732-'33, when Thomas Penn purchased them, which 
more effectually opened the door to emigrants into that part of 
the province within the limits of Berks and Lebanon. Ger- 
mans and others, especially the former, who were already seated, 
sent for their relatives and kindred; and they in turn, on their 
arrival here, enticed others — till several thousand had settled in 
various parts on the Schuylkill, TuljDehocken, and other places — 
till every glen, vale, hill, and mountain, was more or less set- 
tled — and under such circumstances the inhabitants felt the 
want of a new county, and were led to petition the Assembly 
for privileges which Penn and successors had awarded. For, 
William Penn, shortly after his arrival, in 1682, established 
several counties, namely, Philadelphia, Bucks, and Chester. 
Philadelphia county then extended indefinitely towards the 
northwest, bounded on the east by Bucks, and on the west by 
the Schuylkill, which separated it from Chester county, which 
included, at that time, Delaware county, and all the territory, 
except a small portion now within the limits of Philadelphia 
county, south-west of the Schuylkill, and extended to the ex- 
treme limits of the province, north, west, and south. In 1729, 
Chester was reduced, by erecting Lancaster county out of it. 
In 1749, York county was erected, and in 1750, Cumberland 
was established. Berks was erected, March 11th, 1752. 

At the time of erecting Berks county, its population was 
from six to eight thousand. As it may be interesting to the 
reader, a copy of the petition to the Assembly, and sundry 
papers, have been copied, and are inserted. 

A petition from a considerably number of the inhabitants of 
Readingtown, upon Schuylkill, was presented to the house, 
February 4th, 1752, and read, setting forth, that they had 
settled in the said town, expecting that it would be a great 
place of trade and business, and had put themselves to vast "ex- 
pense in building and removing thither with their families. 



118 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

several of whom left tolerable good plantations; that thouglj 
the said town had not above one house in it about two years 
ago, (1750,) yet it now consists of one hundred and thirty 
dwelling houses, besides forty-one stables, and other out-houses, 
and that there are one hundred and sixty families, consisting 
of three hundred and seventy-eight persons settled therein; that 
they have good reason to believe that in another summer they 
will be much increased, as the chief Bart of the province that 
can be settled is already taken up, and the settling of the 
town will be of great benefit to tradesmen and others, who are 
not able to purchase tracts of land to live on; that they hum- 
bly conceived it to be their interest, to the honorable proprie- 
taries, as well as themselves, and that unless this house will be 
pleased to erect part of the counties of Philadelphia, Chester, 
and Lancaster, into a separate county, they shall be entirely 
disappointed of their expectations, notwithstanding all the cost 
and trouble they have been at; that, therefore, they pray this 
house would take their case into consideration, and grant them 
relief, by erecting such parts of said counties, as they shall 
think most proper, into a new county, with the same privileges 
that the other counties of this province enjoy; and that the 
seat of judicature be fixed within the said town of Reading.* 

Another petition was presented, February 5, 1752, from 
which the following extract is presented: "They find the 
causes of their complaint still growing, they humbly beg leave 
further to represent, that they are settled at a very great dis- 
tance from the place of judicature, many of them not less than 
one hundred miles, which is a real hardship upon those who are 
so unhappy as to be sued for debts, their charges in long jour- 
neys, and sometimes in severe weather, with the oflficer's fees, 
amounting to near as much, if not more, than the debts; that 
the hardships on jurymen, constables, and in being obliged to 
attend when required, is also very great; that now there is a 
new town laid out by the proprietaries' order, wdthin fifteen 
perches of the division line between Philadelphia and Lancas- 
ter counties, and above one hundred and thirty houses, and near 
as many families living therein, it is very easy for rogues and 
others to escape justice by crossing Schuylkill, which has al- 
ready been their practice for some years; that though their 
* Votes of Assembly, vol. iv., p. 204. 



niSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANOif COUNTIES. llO 

grievances were laid before the Assembly some years past,* 
were not redressed, because of other weighty affairs being at 
that time under consideration ; yet the prayer of their petition 
was thought reasonable, and the number of petitioners being 
since doubled by the increase of the back inhabitants, they there- 
fore pray, that this house would grant relief in the premises by 
erecting them into a separate county, bounded, as to the wis- 
dom of this house shall seem best.f 

The prayer of the petitioners was granted by the. passing of 
act, March 11th, 1752, J directing the erection of a county out- 
of parts of Philadelphia,'^ Chester,|| and Lancaster counties.il 

" Whereas a great number of the back inhabitants of the 
county of Philadelphia, and the adjacent parts of Chester and 
Lancaster, by their petition, have humbly represented to the 
Governor and Assembly of this province, their remote situation 
from their respective county towns, where the courts of justice 
are held, and public offices kept, whereby they are frequently 
put to extraordinary expense of money, and loss of time, in 
their long journies thither, as parties in cases, witnesses, jury- 
men, &c. For remedying which inconveniences, and relief of 
the inhabitants in those remote parts in the premises, be it 
enacted by the Hon. James Hamilton, Esq., Lieutenant Gov- 
ernor, under the Hon. Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, true 
and absolute proprietaries of the province of Pennsylvania, and 
of the counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex, upon Dela- 
ware, by and with the advice and consent of the representatives 
of the freemen of the said province, in general assembly met, 
and by the authority of the same — That all and singular the 
lands lying within the province of Pennsylvania aforesaid, with- 
in the limtis and bounds as hereinafter described, be erected into 
a county, and the same are hereby erected into a county, named, 
and henceforth to be called Berks ; bounded as follows : by a 
line, at the distance of ten superficial miles south-west from 

* 17.39-'40. Feb. 4, a petition signed by Conrad Weiser, John Davi)«, 
James Lewis, and others, was presented. 

t Votes of Assembly, vol. 4, p. 205. 

t A, vol. iii., p. 227 of the Rolls at Harrisburg. 

§ Alsace, Exeter, Amity, AUimengle or Albany, Oley, Colebrookdale, 
and Hereford townships, then organized, were parts of Philadelphia county. 

U Coventry and part of Nantmill, now Union, part of Chester county. 

^ Caernarvon, Robeson, Heidelberg, Bethel, Tulpehocken, Cumru, and 
Bern, then organized part of Lancaster county. 



120 ttiStORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES; 

the western bank of the river Schuylkill, opposite to the mouth 
of a creek called Monocasy* to the run north north-west to 
the extremity of the province, and south-east, until it shall in- 
tersect the line of Chester county, then on one straight line of 
McCall's manor, then along the said line to the extremity 
thereof, and continuing the same course, to the line dividing 
Philadelphia and Bucks counties, then along the said line north- 
west, to the extent of the county aforesaid. 

That it shall and may be lawful to and for Anthony Lee, 
Francis Parvin, William Mangridge, William Bird and Joseph 
Millard, or any three of them to purchase and take assurance to 
them and their heirs, of a piece of land, situate in some conve- 
nient place in the town of Reading, in trust, and for the use 
of the inhabitants of said county, and thereon to erect and build 
a court house and prison, sufficient to accommodate the public 
service of the said county, and for the ease and conveniency of 
the inhabitants." For which purpose three hundreds pounds 
were authorized to be assessed and levied, for purchasing land, 
and finishing the court house and prison. 

By the same act, Edward Scull of Philadelphia county, Ben- 
jamin Lightfoot of Chester county, and Thomas Cookson of 
Lancaster county, were appointed to run, mark out and dis- 
tinguish the boundary line between the said counties of Phila- 
delphia, Chester, Lancaster, and of Berks. 

An act was passed, February 18, 1769, appointing William 
McClay, William Scull, and John Biddle, jr., to settle and fix 
the boundary line dividing the counties of Lancaster, Berks, 
and Cumberland. The former commissioners, Edward Scully 
Benjamin Lightfoot, and Thomas Cookson, not having con- 
tinued said line further than the settlement at that time (1752) 
made. And, whereas, many were then (1769) settled, and new 
settlements then making beyond the said lines of 1752, and 
disputes having then already risen, and others were likely to 
arise, concerning the limits and bounds of the said counties of 
Lancaster, Cumberland, Berks, and Northampton; by reason 
of the boundary linv?s of 1752, not being completed, the act of 
February IS, 1769> authorized and required Messrs. McClay> 
Scull, and Biddle, and enjoined it that they should, within the 
space of nine months from the passage of the act, "to assem- 
ble themselves together, and to extend, run, and mark out, by 
* Feb. 18j 1769, an act was passed to settle this line. 



filStORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 121 

actual survey, the boundary lines between the said counties of" 
Lancaster, Cumberland, and Berks, and between the county of 
Berks and that of Northampton, by continuing the said due 
Horth-west course, from the south-east ends of the lines already 
run between the said counties respectively, as far as the lands 
lately purchased by the honorable, the proprietaries of this pro- 
vince from the Indians, do extend ; and that the costs, charges, 
and expenses of running, surveying, and marking out the said 
line, so far as the same shall run between the said coimties of 
Eerks and Lancaster — and that the costs, charges, and ex- 
penses of running the said line, so far as the same shall extend 
between the said counties of Cumbei'land and Berks, shall be 
paid equally between the said counties of Berks and Cumber- 
land." 

Berks, since its organization or erection in 1752, has been 
reduced by annexation of a part to the county of Northumber- 
land, March 21, 1772, which was erected out of parts of Lan- 
caster, Cumberland, Berks, Bedford, and Northampton ; and 
by the erection of Schuylkill, March 1, 1811 — the townships 
of Brunswick, Schuylkill, Manheim, Norwegian, Upper and 
Lower INIahantango, and Pine Grove, were a part of Berks 
county. The average length of Berks county, at present, is 
about thirty-two miles, and in breadth not exceeding twenty- 
eight; containing an area of nine hundred and twenty-seven 
square miles. The present population may exceed seventy 
thousand. 

As above stated, Berks county was formed out of Philadel- 
phia, Chester, and Lancaster counties. All on the east side of 
the Schuylkill was, at the erection of Berks, part of Philadel- 
phia, and was divided into the following townships: Alsace, 
Exeter, Amity, AUimengle or Albany, Oley, and Colebrookdalo. 
The southern portion of Berks was part of Chester, and divided 
into two townships, Coventry and Nantmill ; parts of each of 
these townships are now included in Union township, organised 
since the erection of the county. The v/est and north-west 
portion was part of Lancaster, and dividtvJ into the following- 
townships, namely: Caernarvon, Robeson, Tulpehocken, Hei- 
delberg, Bethel, Tulpehocken, Cumru, and Bern. 



11 



CHAPTER X. 

HISTORICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION OF EACH TOWN* 
SHIP IN BERKS COUNTY. 

In giving the history, extent, &c., of the townships as now 
organized, each will be given as bounded at present; but in 
giving the names of the first settlers, these will be introduced, 
speaking of the townships as they were bounded at, or soon 
after the organization of the county. 

ALBANY TOWNSHIP. 

Albany township, lying a little east of due north from Read- 
ing, is one of the most northern townships in the county, and 
on account of its partial barrenness, was known for many years 
by the name of " Allemeangel" — Jill-wants. It was, however, 
settled at a comparatively early period. In 1741, as it was 
then bounded, it contained thirty-seven taxables, and in 1758, 
it contained eighty-five taxables. The first settlers were Ger- 
mans, as will appear from the following list of names, including 
those who resided therein prior to 1756. 

Valentine Brobst, Martin Brobst, Henry Ritter, Michael 
Brobst, Christian Hechter, Philip Stambach, Arnold Bittich, 
John Kunstler, George Klingerman, William Stampf, Cornelius 
Dries, Tobias Stabelton, Frantz Bety, Andreas Hagenbuch, 
John Miller, Martin Kemp, Peter Knoper, Jacob Wirth, Jacob 
Gerhardt, Heinrich Reichelsderfer, George Trump, Johannes 
Hein, John Wilt, Jacob Pohr, Jacob Kuntz, Simon Uries, Val- 
entine Petri, George Lili, John Steygerwald, John Uries, Philip 
Kugler, John Kluck, Michael Maurer, Christian Heinrich, An- 
tony Adam, Nicholas Wenner, Nicholas Muldenberger, Chris- 
tian Linseberger, Jacob Bachert, Nicholas Bachert, Henry 
Zunmerman, George Stimperd, George Kunckell, Jacob Stamm, 
John Bricker, Jacob Lantz, Frederich Hauer, Johan Nicholas 
Strasser, Martin Kasser, Christian Kielbach, Michael Hollen- 
bach, Wilhelm Smedder, Michael Herpster, Johan Nicholas 
Emerich, Jacob Gordner, Johannes Smedder, Peter Seebold, 
George Rau, Nicholas Smith, Henry Ruppert, Frederick Hesse, 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 123 

Christian Scherif, Samuel Leydy, Christian Brancher, George 
Kautzman, Jacob Biely, Daniel Paulscher, Jacob Donath, 
Dewald Beilman, Solomon Bacher, Philip Shelhame, Chris- 
tian Schwenck, John Lieps, Frederick Reichelsderfer, Daniel 
Smith, Henry Kronig, Henry Fallweiler, Elias Rothschoen, 
Philip Bauer, Jacob Driess, Jacob Hagenbach. 

In the early part of February, 1756, the Indians committed 
several cruel and barbarous murders in this township. On the 
14th of February, 1756, the Indians came to the house of Fre- 
derick Reichelsderfer, shot two of his children, set his house 
and barn on fire, and burnt up all his grain and cattle. Thence 
they proceeded to the house of Jacob Gerhart, where they 
killed one man, two women, and six children. "Two children 
slipped under the bed, one of which was burned; the other es- 
caped, and ran a mile to get to the people. 

When the intelligence of this murder had reached Maxatany, 
many of the inhabitants of that township repaired to Albany, 
to see what damage had been done; while on their way, they 
received accounts of other murders: "When," says Jacob 
Levan, in a letter to Mr. Seely, February 15, 1756, "I had 
got ready to go with my neighbors from Maxatany, to see what 
damage was done in Albany ; three men that had seen the 
shocking affair came and told me, that eleven were killed, eight 
of them burnt, and the other three found dead out of the fire. 
An old man was scalped, the two others, little girls, were not 
scalped."* 

On the 24th of March following, says the Pennsylvania Ga- 
zette, April 1, 1756, ten wagons went up to Allemaengle (Al- 
bany) to bring down a family with their effects; and as they 
were returning, about three miles below George Zeisloff's, 
were fired upon by a number of Indians from both sides of the 
road ; upon which the wagoners left their wagons and ran into 
the woods, and the horses frightened at the firing and terrible 
yelhng of the Indians, ran down a hill and broke one of the 
Avagons to pieces. That the enemy killed George ZeislofF and 
his wife, a lad of twenty, a boy, of twelve, also a girl of four- 
teen years old, four of whom they scalped. That another girl 
was shot in the neck, and through the mouth, and scalped, not- 
withstanding all which she got olf. That a boy was stabbed 
in three places, but the wounds were not thought to be moi"- 
* See page 58. 



124 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON' COUNTIES. 

tal. That they killed two of the horses, and five are missing, 
with which it is thought the Indians carried off the most \ahi- 
able goods that were in the wagon." 

Sometime in November, 1756, the Indians appeared again in 
this township and carried off the v.'ife of, and three children of 
Adam Burns — the youngest child was only four weeks old. In 
the month of June, 1757, the Indians murdered one Adam 
Trump — they took Trump's wife and his son, a lad nineteen 
years old, prisoners; but the woman escaped, though upon her 
flying, she was so closely pursued by one of the Indians, (of 
which there were seven,) that he threw his tomahawk at her, 
and cut her badly in the neck. The instances of murder were 
both numerous and barbarous in this township. 

Its preseut boundary is as follows: On the north and west 
by the Blue mountain, owing to the singular configuration of 
the mountain; on the east by Lehigh county, and on the south 
by Greenwich township. It contains about twenty-one thou- 
sand acres of land. The soil in the north-western part is slats 
or shale, and in the south-eastern part somewhat sandy; but 
upon the whole, the soil is of inferior quality throughout the 
township, and the surface broken and hilly. It is drained by 
Maiden creek, which flows through the south-eastern part, in- 
tersecting the township unequally, and its tributaries, which 
are Mill creek and Stony run on the east, and Pine creek and 
one or two smaller streams on the west. Besides the mountain 
on the north, noted for its prominent termination, there is Round 
Top or " Peaked Mountain,^' rising in the form of a sugar loaf, 
to the height of a thousand feet or more. There are three 
churches in this township, two forges, seven grist mills, five 
saw mills, six public houses, two stores, eight schools, two jus- 
tices of the peace, John Miller and George Reagan, Esqs. 
There are two post offices in the township, viz. at Featherolfs- 
ville, and at Union Iron Works. Population in 1810, was 996 : 
in 1820, 1182; 1830, 1129; 1840, 1057, according to the 
census: 181 horses, 643 horned cattle, 604 sheep, 585 swine; 
raise 1158 bushels of wheat, 9982 rye, 6852 corn, 4590 oats, 
2932 buckwheat, 6302 potatoes, 590 tons of hay, 822 pounds of 
wool. Tax valuation for 1844, for county purposes, $281,088: 
for State purposes, $271,613; county tax $562,17.. Gross 
amount of State tax, $312,45. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 125 



AMITY TOWNSHIP. 



Amity township,, in the southern part of the county, was 
among the first settled townships in the county, originally set- 
tled by Swedes* and Germans. There is, at present, a dura- 
bly built house standing on the east bank of the Schuylkill, 
erected in 1716, as appears from a stone in the front wall of 
the house, with the initials, probably of the builder's name,^ 
"I. M. I. 1716." The house stands near Douglasville, near 
which is the old Swedish church, known as the Molatton 
church, a place of considerable note in the early history of the 
province. 

It was at Molatton that the Indian chiefs, Allumraapces, 
Opekasset, and Manawkyhickon,^ cannot be enabled to attend 
a treaty at Conestoga, proposed to meet the Honorable Pa- 
trick Gordon, lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, in relation 
to the unfortunate affray between the Palatines and Indians, at 
the iron works at Mahanatawny. 

"June 3d, 1728, the governor informed the Board of the 
Council, convened at Philadelphia, that while he was at Cones- 
toga, he received an answer to the messages sent by order of 
the Board, the 15th May, to Allummapecs, Opekasset, and 
Manawkyhickon, which were in substance, that Allummapecs 
and Opekasset had received the governor's letter and present, 
that they had nothing in their hearts but love and good will 
towards the governor and all his people, that they would have 
apprehended some danger if the governor had not sent to them, 
but that now their doubts are over and offer to meet the gover- 
nor at Molatton, because they cannot reach Conestoga. by the 
time appointed." 

"The governor then said, that understanding Allummapecs 
and Opekasset, were come to Molatton, he despatched messen- 
gers to them, with an invitation to come down to Philadelphia; 
and that accordingly they were now come, and had brought 
with them some of the relations of those Indians lately killed 
by the Winters, and therefore he was now to advise with the. 
Board upon what might be proper to be paid to them, and the 
presents, necessary on the occasion. 

As early as 1741, there were rising of seventy taxables ia 

* See chapter iv., page SO. 
11* 



126 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

the township. In 1752, the following persons were returned 
as taxables to the county commissioners, namely: 

Cornelius Gehard, Ellis Griffith, George Lutz, Joseph Brown, 
William Winter, Philip Snear, Joseph Boon, Mathias Hipser, 
John Adam Bickly, John Waren, Edward Drury, Enos Ellis, 
Gilbert Dehard, Baltzer Schultz, Thomas Brownfield, John 
Wolf, John Lowry, Jacob Weaver, Daniel Andraes, Michael 
Trump, Nicholas Boyer, Martin Becker, John Webb, Law- 
rence Cropper, Maurice Ellis, Jacob Rhoads, Peter Weaver, 
Jacob Crusi, Cornelius Dehart, Daniel Fraily, Samuel Emwigh, 
Rinichots Oningthun, Philip Boyer, Michael Messinger, Jacob 
Early, John Sands, John I'itergrinder, Daniel Ludwick, John 
Campbell, John Huling, William Davis, Hugh Mitchell, Shed- 
rick Lord, Hernis Shegal, Henry Gibson, Francis Gibson, John 
Childs, John Samuel Hatt, Thomas Bansfield, John Hoose, 
Philip Balser Crissman, John Marlain Fritz, Rolarul Harris, 
John Rafesnider, Hugh McCaffry, John Taylor, John Sue, 
Nicholas Jones, John Adam Ludwick, Lenard Roadermell, 
Jonas Jones, James Waren, Jacob Waren, Peter Kerlin, Ludo- 
wick Gouogar, Henry Vanreed, Daniel Woombledorf, William 
Champbell, Conrad Barlett, Abijah Sands, Mathias Maiday, 
Marcus Huling, John Ewalt, John Kerlin, John Yocomb, An- 
drew Ringberry, Peter Yocomb, Peter Livergood, George Shit- 
ler, Conrad Lutz, Garrad Deways, George Fritz, Charles 
Smith, George Adam Fisher, Adam Livergood, George Han- 
selmah, David Buchard, Jacob Neagly, Edward Harding, Fel- 
ly Cackly, Michael Cougler, Christopher Wickle, Derrick 
Cleaver, Adam Hatfield, Samuel Bosarder, Andreas Bosarder, 
George Adam Weidner, Isaac Wiseman, Thomas Mains, Ma- 
thew Culford, Frederick Haws, Charles Herman, Frederick 
Hoppman, William Williams, Solomon Broonfield, Abraham 
Andrews, John Peter Wyler, Valentine Ems, James Burn, Ru- 
dolph Mictz, Joseph Thomas, Jacob Barnet, William Walker. 
Many of these were Swedes, or their descendants. 

It is bounded on the north-east by Oley and Earl townships; 
Qn the south-east by Douglass; south-west by the Schuylkill, 
separating it from Union; and north-west by Exeter; being 
nearly a square of four miles, containing about ten thousand 
five hundred acres of land, principally red shale and gravel; the 
surface undulating, except the central part, which bears a 
mountain aspect on account of Monakesy Hill, which strongly 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 127 

marks the prominent features of that part of the township. 
Though the soil is red gravel and shale, it has been in many 
places rendered highly productive; and land is rated from 
twelve to sixty dollars per acre. 

This township is intersected by two considerable streams, 
by Monokesy creek in the north- w^est, and the Mahanatawny 
creek, in the north-east; on both of which are several mills; 
there are six grist mills, live saw mills, and one fulling mill in 
the township; besides these two streams there are several 
smaller ones, all winding their course to the Schuylkill. There 
are several small villages in the township ; Douglassville, near 
the line between Douglass and Amity township, Warrensburg, 
and Weavertown — there is a church held in common by the Lu- 
tlierans and German Reformed. There is also one English 
Presbyterian church at Warrensburg — one near Manokesy hill. 
The Perkiomen turnpike road, and the Reading railroad pass 
through the township; the latter along the Schuylkill, and the 
former within a few miles of it. The population in 1810, 1090 ; 
1820, 1279;] 1830, 1378; 1840, 1664,-278 horses, 903 
horned cattle, 535 sheep, 840 swine; raise 9912 bushels of 
wheat, 13,775 rye, 18,543 corn, 22,745 oats, 589 buckwheat, 
4038 potatoes, 1703 tons of hay, 1220 pounds of wool, 920 
flax. Valuation of articles for county tax for 1844, ^543,321 ; 
amount of tax, «)i>1090 64. Gross amount of State tax, $791 44. 



BERN TOWNSHIP. 



Bern township, contiguous to, and north-west of the borough 
of Reading, was settled by those whose ancestors had emigra- 
ted from a canton in Switzerland, one of the largest, and second 
in rank in the Swiss confederation, called Bern ; and in memory 
of the canton of their forefathers, named their new and future 
home, Bern. 

Many of the first settlers were men of wealth, influence, and 
possessed weight of character, and some of whose descendants 
are conspicuous in the annals of our country, both as soldiers, 
statesmen and divines — of these were the Hiesters and others. 
The primitive settlements in this township were made between 
the years 1728 and 1740, and prmcipally by Germans, as will 



12S HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

appear on examining the following list of taxables for the 
year 1752 : 

Abraham Hause, Josejoh Richards, Albright Straus, Philip 
Straus, Joseph Shoemaker, Jacob Good, Christian Stutsman, 
Jacob Hanslerf, Anenias Sickle, Walter Rumford, George 
Sheel, Hans Filbert, Jacob Weisner, Jacob Reiler, George 
Wagoner, Jacob Kaufman, Fredrick Moir, Ludowick Nicholas, 
Samuel Minks, Felty Long, Ludowick Meily, Joseph Solend- 
brien, John Sever, Albright Fright, Rynard Chartle, Jacob 
Stutsman, Henry Steely, Jacob Westlar, Jacob Reiler, John 
Sreber, Valentine Helmberger, Nicholas Miller, Henry Busand, 
Nicholas Runch, Michael Bumer, John Passman, Matthew 
Turnbeh, Philip Jacobs, Christian King, George Crusel, Cor- 
tes Crusel, Ludowick Semarr, William Tumblcson, John Smith, 
Christopher Four, Eenjamin Kepler, Samuel King, Christian 
Pike, Pence Leman, John Holy, Pence Benedict, Henry Adam, 
John Hertzberger, Christopher Yader, Jacob Bader, Martin 
Geek, John Fisher, John Kaufman, Everhard Caspin, Gerry 
Wao-oner, jr., Jacob Pertgoble, John Young, John Zimmer- 
man, Bastian Rood, Christian Yader, Philip Faust, Hermann 
Weaver, Daniel Hiester, George Gardner, John Faust, Chris- 
tian Albright, Michael Stout, Jacob Bois, Peter Harpin, 
Matthew Weaver, Jacob Rezer, jr., Martin Cheaner, Joseph 
Heck, John Runch, John Bucks, John Meater, John Snider, 
senr., Jacob Rude, William Leymeister, George Bellman, Cas- 
per Phihp, David Grim, Jacob Grim, Nicholas Klee, Philip 
Bower, Michael Hansel, John Snider, jr., John Althaus, John 
Richards, Titus Denning, John Elteiian, Nicholas Souder, 
James Williamson, Adam Rickebach, John Stout, Christian 
Kaufman, Jacob Albright, Andreas Weiler, Jacob Runcle, 
Christian Berer, George Kirsner, Christian Zuch, Samuel Wal- 
lison. 'John Apler, Adam Bohn, Frederick Trum, John Macki- 
more, Woolrick Rathmackcr, Jacob Fuchs, Philip Mackimore, 
Peter Brown,* Valentine Epler, John Heister, John Rebert, 
Jost Hiester, Adam Stump, William Hettrich, Nicholas Haller, 
Jacob Summer, Jacob Rezer, Joseph Obelt, Heroniraus Henig, 
Hans Michael Leep, Jacob Miller, Wondle Brecht, David 
Brecht, Jacob Allwene, Henry Kettner, George Gernant, Peter 
Zuber, Samuel Wallison. Not a few of these were descend- 
ants of the Huguenots, of whom something has been said in 
chapter v., pages 83, 88. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AKD LEBANON COUNTIES. 129' 

The inhabitants of this township, in common with all the 
frontier townships, suffered much frona the cruel enemy, maraud- 
ing the county. The last murders, of which we have any no- 
tice, committed on this side the Blue Mountain, in Bei-ks, were 
committed in Bern township. The following letter from Jonas 
Seely to Governor Penn, (son of Richard Penn,) contains this 
account : 

Reading, September 11, 1763. 
Honored Sir — 

This moment at Reading, as I was sending off the express, 
certain intelligence came that the house of Frantz llubler, in 
Berne township, about eighteen miles from here, Was attacked 
on Friday evening last, by the Indians — himself is wounded, 
his wife and three children carried off — and three other of the 
children scalped alive — two of whom are since dead. 

I am, Honored Sir, 
Your humble and 

Obedient servant, 

Jonas, Seely. 

In another letter, the same writer says : " We are all in a 
state of alarm ; Indians have destroyed dwellings, and murdered 
with savage barbarity, their helpless inmates ; even in the 
neighborhood of Reading. Where these Indians came from, 
and where going, we know not. These are dangerous times. 
Send us armed force to aid our rangers of Berks." 

This township is bounded on the north by Centre township, 
which has been organized out of parts of Bern and Upper 
Bern, since 1830 ; on the east by the Schuylkill river, separat- 
ing it from Maiden Creek, and Alsace township ; south-west 
by the Tulpehocken creek, separating it from Cumru and lower 
Heidelberg townships ; north-west by Penn township, which 
W'as formed out of Bern and Upper Bern ; extreme about seven 
miles and a half, and greatest breadth seven miles ; average 
length and breadth about live miles ; area of about 20,000 
acres, and the surface considerably undulative ; the soil prin- 
cipally gravel, but considerably improved by a proper course 
of tillage. Bern presents a kind of Delta, lying in the fork of 
the Tulpehocken creek and the Schuylkill river, which, to~ 
gather with Plum creek, afford abundance of water power for 



130 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

mills and other purposes. In 1840, there were one flouring 
mill, six grist mills, seven saw mills, one powder mill, and three 
tanneries in the towdship. There are two churches in the 
township, Epler's, six miles from Reading, and Bern church. 
The first church here was singularly decorated by a grotesque 
painting. Bernville, fourteen miles from Reading, is a post 
village. 

The following, which is " dipt" from the " Schuylkill Jour- 
nal" of May, 1839, shows that some native genius is to be 
found in Bern. To stimulate some dormant genius, whose eye 
may be caught by this, space is given to a tribute of praise. — 
The Editor of the Journal says : " A short time since I called 
to see Jacob Mip.sse, Esq., of Bern township, Berks county. 
Pa., who showed me a number of engravings executed by his 
son Gabriel Miesse. The young gentleman has an undoubted 
claim to talents. The first piece of work of the kind he per- 
formed, is surprisingly well done, when it is recollected he had 
never seen a copper-plate — in fact, not even a graver, for this in- 
strument was constructed by a neighboring blacksmith, accord- 
ing to a pattern furnished by the young man himself. In con- 
sequence of the development of such promising talents, he was 
jirevailed upon by the liberality of his father, to resort to 
Philadelphia, and put himself under the care of an ex- 
perienced artist. But from great constitutional delicacy of 
frame, he did not remain there more than ten days or two 
weeks, before he was attacked by a severe illness, which obliged 
him to return to the country, and abandon those opportunities 
so congenial to his taste. He continued, however, to amuse 
himself by engraving a great variety of pieces, among which 
are plants, flowers, animals, the human figure, &c., executed 
with a spirit of fidelity, truly astonishing, and turned off by an 
apparatus wholly constructed by himself, from the stile to the 
press." 

Population in 1810, 1,240 ; 1820, 1,791 ; 1830, 2,154 ; 
1840, 3,149. Horses 907 ; horned cattle 1,774 ; sheep 
1,135 : Swine 2,105 ; bushels of wheat 29,960 ; rye 39,267 ; 
corn 37,885; oats 48,227; buckwheat 1,354; potatoes 16,- 
219 ; tons of hay 4,307 ; pounds of wool 2,122 ; flax 3,261. 
Valuation of articles for county lax ^602,884 ; county tax 
^1,205 ; State tax $672,35. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIESt 131 



BETHEL TOWNSHIP. 

Bethel township was, no doubt, so called after a colony of' 
United Brethren or Moravians, who had a small establishment 
on the Swatara, in this township, called Bethel ; the literal 
meaning of which is, " The House of God." 

Bethel town'ihip is the most north-western township of Berks 
county ; primitively settled by Germans, whose descendants are 
still the owners of their ancestors farms and homestead. In no 
township of the county were more life sacrificed to glut the de- 
structive propensities of the barbarous Indians, during the 
French and Indian war, than in this township. It was in this 
township Captain Busse, under the direction of the province 
and inspection of Conrad Weiser, Fort William and Henry was 
erected, and well garrisoned by one company and a half — part 
of a regiment consisting of nine companies, under the command 
of Colonel Conrad Weiser ; and notwithstanding the fort being 
within this township, the Indians killed many of the inhabitants. 

Under date of November 19, 1755, Conrad Weiser, in a let- 
ter to Governor Morris, says : " On my return from Philadel- 
phia, the first news of our cruel enemy having invaded the 
county, this side of the Blue Mountain, to wit : Bethel and 
Tulpehocken." 

In a deposition, signed by James Morgan, it is stated that on 
Sunday, the 16th November, 1755, a company of one hundred 
and thirty inhabitants of Berks, pri»cipally from Heidelberg 
and Tulpehocken, went to Bethel township ; and that near 
Dieterich Six's, about half a mile from his house, they found 
Casper Spring dead, and scalped, whose brains had been knock- 
ed out, and having buried him, they marched about one hun- 
dead rods and found one Beslinger dead, and scalped ; his brains 
were also knocked out, his mouth much mangled, one of his 
eyes cut out, and two knives lying in his breast — they buried 
him. That twenty of their body, who had gone a little out of 
the road, about two miles from Six's, found a child of Jacob 
Wolf — and that the day before, some of the same company had 
found John Leinberger and Rudolp Candel, dead and scalped. 

It is farther stated, " the whole country thereabouts desert- 
ed their habitations, and sent away all their household goods — 



132 HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

that much mischief had been done by the Indians, by burning 
houses and barns. 

Loskiel, in speaking of the Moravian settlements, in 1756, 
thus alludes to the colony in Bethel : — " The savages continued 
to commit murders in AUemaengel ; and a lance lost by them 
on the road, proved them to be some of the very people who 
had attended the Congress (Indian treaty) at Easton. Roving 
parties infested the borders of the country, the public roads, 
and all those places in which they feared no resistance ; so that 
the small colonies of Brethren settled in AUemaengel and Bethel, 
on Swatara, who had held out with uncommon patience, were 
at last obliged to- take refuge, the former in Bethlehem, and 
the latter in Lebanon."* 

Some thne in the month of June, 1758, the Indians carried off 
the wife of John Frantz, and three of his children. Mrs. 
Frantz being rather infirm and sickly, not able to travel, was 
most cruelly murdered by the savages ; the children they took 
with them.f 

At the time this murder was committed, Mr. Frantz was out 
at work ; his neighbors having heard the firing of guns by the 
Indians, immediately repaired to the house of Frantz ; on their 
way there apprised him of the report — wdien they arrived at 
the house they found Mrs. Frantz dead, and all the children 
gone ; they then pursued the Indians some distance, but all in 
vain. The children were taken and kept captives for several 
years. 

A few years after this horrible affair, all of them, except one, 
the youngest, were exchanged. The oldest of them, a lad of 
twelve or thirteen years of age, at the time w^hen captured, re- 
lated the tragical scene of his mother being tomahawked and 
shamefully treated. Him they compelled to carry the youngest. 

The anxious father, having received two of his children as 
from the dead, still sighed for the one that was not. When- 
ever he heard of children being exchanged, he mounted his 
horse to see whether among the captured, was not his dear lit^ 
tie one. On one occasion he paid a man forty poujids, who had 
reported he knew where the child w^as, if he restored it. To 
another he paid a hundred dollars, and himself went to Canada 

* Loskiers His. Mis. U. F. La Trobe's Translation, Part ii., p. 180. 
t Pennsylvania Gazette, June 1758. 



> HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 133 

in search of the lost one — but, to his sorrow, never could trace 
his child. A parent can realize his feelings — they cannot be 
described. 

The following persons were returned to the county commis- 
sioners, as taxables of this township, in 1754 : 

Martin Kepler, Charles Smith, Michael Grossman, Casper 
Snevely, George Reninger, Loretz Stautz, Wendc) Reeger, 
John Schuie, Peter Bixler, Martin Eichgelberger, Martin 
Eisenhauer, John Eichgelberger, Michael Groff, George GrofF, 
Frederick Sixth, George Boeshor, John Kunkle, Martin Speck, 
Jacob Dehn, Adam Kussel, George Emrich, Michael Wieland, 
Nicholas Marke, David Marke, .Nicholas Gebhart, Andreas 
Smitii, Jacob Sierer, John Apple, Daniel Sneider, Henry Ko- 
bel, Conrad Fuerther, Ulrich Spies, Henry Shuie, Christopher 
Herold, Frantz Legenberger, Adam Daniel, Nicolaus Pontius, 
George Berger, Henry Berger, Andrew Kremer, John Emrich, 
Jacob Smith, Jacob Emrich, Jacob Zerbe, Baltzer Emrich, 
Leonard Emrich, Jacob Leyninger, Ulrich Seltzer, Baltzer 
Smith, Frederick Tresler, Martin Tresler, Bastian Stein, 
Thomas Bauer, Rudy Mayer, John Frantz, Peter Mayer, John 
Adam Walborn, John Adam Bartorf, William Parsons, Esq., 
Christel Neucommer, Wendel Seibert, Christopher Knebel, Pe- 
ter Dietrich, Christopher Reier, Dietrich Markle, Nicholas 
Wolf. 

The quantity of land owned by the above, was 2,230 acres, 
whereof were cleared and sowed in grain, 168 acres ; horses 68 ; 
mares 25; cows 103; sheep 41; servants 4; one hired man, 
Dietrich Markle. 

Bethel, as it is at present, is bounded on the north by the 
Blue Mountain, for the distance of fifteen miles, which separates 
it from Schuylkill county ; east and south by the Little Swa- 
tara creek, which divides it from Upper and Lower Tulpe- 
hocken towmships; south and west by Lebanon county; its 
mean length is about eight miles, and mean breadth about five 
miles, having «n area of about 27,000 acres of land. The sur- 
face is diversified ; in the north, somewhat mountainous; soil 
nearly all gravel, some yellow shale, and upon the whole, not 
productive. Parts of it, however, have been rendered produc- 
tive by the shield and care of the provident husbandman. /' 

The main road from Jonesto\vn, in Lebanon county, to Reh- 
rersburg, passes through the south part of it — the road to Pine 
12 



134 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 



Grove crosses it on the east; that to Sunbury, centrally, and 
the State road to the west. The Little Swatara and Grosskill, 
are the principal streams, affording good water power. There 
are four grist mills, six saw mills, one fulling mill, and one 
woollen factory in the township ; two tanneries and several dis- 
tilleries — but at present, not in operation. Millersburg is the 
only village in the township, containing between thirty and 
forty dwellings, several taverns, and stores ; one church, held in 
common by the Lutherans and German Reformed. The Ger- 
man Baptists, or Dunkers, have one or two meeting places. 

The population in 1810,924; 1820,1,294; 1830,1,482; 
1840, 1,458; horses 463; horned cattle 1,480; sheep 836; 
swine 966; bushels of wheat 11,852; rye 16,491; corn 18,822; 
oats 26,880; buckwheat 587; potatoes 5,662; tons of hay 
1,886; pounds of wool 1,427; flax 836. Valuation for county 
tax for 1844, $524,501; county tax $1,049 00; State tax 
"■""3,45. 



BRECKNOCK TOWNSHIP. 

Brecknock township, in the southern part of the county, was 
called so, after Brecon or Brecknock, an inland county of South 
Wales, whence some of the first settlers in this part of Berks 
county have emigrated. The primitive settlers of this town- 
ship were the following, among w'hom were a few Germans: 

George Douglass, Charles Hornberry, George Hesong, Jacob 
Fry, Adam Beamer, Daniel Commer, Henry Miller, John Black, 
Casper Koch, John Long, David Commer, M. Geyman, Abra- 
ham Stein, Leobald Yost, John Aldibery, Jacob West, James 
Ratlitf, Bernhard Pealer, Adam Philabaum, Hans Ruble, Jere- 
miah Seemor, Michael Finfro^, Christian Acre, Michael 
Frankhauser, Adam NeiJe, Hans Hamigh,Hans Moser, Michael 
Slaugh, Henry Brindle, Henry Ourwasher, Daniel Cooper, 
Joseph Wenger, Nicholas Shans, Peter Baltsly, Christian Gey- 
man, John Comler. 

It is bounded on the north by Cumru township; on the east 
by Robeson township, and south-east by Carnarvon ; south- 
west by Lancaster county, and on the northwest by Cumru; 
greatest length seven miles; mean breadth about two and a 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 135 

half; contains rising of ten thousand acres of land. The sur- 
face is generally hilly, and the soil gravel; but pretty well 
improved, though there is still much room for greater improve- 
ment. 

The township is well supplied with water. Allegheny creek 
rises near the centre of this township, and in a north-eastern 
direction meanders through the glens, and seeks its way to- 
wards the Schuylkill, affording water power to several mills 
within the limits of the township. Big and Little Muddy 
creeks have their sources in this township; the former rises 
in the eastern, the latter in the western part of the tow^n- 
ship, and unite in Lancaster county, and empty into the Cones- 
toga. There is a German Reformed church in this township. 
Population in 1810, 495; 1820, 536; 1830, 866; 1840, 935. 
Horses 335; horned cattle 956; sheep 749; swine 671; 
bushels of wheat 2,491; rye 7,056; corn 8,072; oats 5,991; 
buckwheat 792 ; potatoes 6,523 ; tons of hay 909 ; pounds of 
wool 1,357; flax 1,397. Valuation of articles for tax for 
1844, 8148,131; county tax $296,26; State tax $179,14. 



CARNARVON TOWNSHIP. 



Ceernarvon township, is the extreme southern township of 
the county; was originally settled by Welsh, who named it 
after a maritime county of North Wales, whence they had 
emigrated. The following list embraces all the primitive set- 
tlers who lived at the time of the organization of Berks 
county . 

Nicholas Hadson, John Wilson, George Martin, Richard 
Smith, Moses Martin, Jacob Cymerlin, Archibald Mahon, 
William Robeson, Daniel Jones, Aaron Rattue, John Davis, 
John Light, John Hamilton, Nicholas Hudson, John Bracken, 
Aaron Ash, Alexander Adams, Mathias Broadsword, Valen- 
tine Carberry, Joseph Davis, Robert Ellis, John Evans, Daniel 
Fox, John Fern, Daniel Gillis, Thomas Harper,, Jacob Hof- 
raan, David Jones, Francis Morgan, Daniel Owen, Mark Pea- 
lor, Richard Philips, Charles Richardson, Moses Robinson, 
Wilham Robinson, Cornelius Shea, John Stephens, Benjamin. 
Talbert, John Morgan, Daniel Davis, John Talbert. 



136 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES* 

The township is bounded on the north by Robeson townshipi;'; 
south-east by Chester county, and north-west by Lancaster,. 
Its mean length five miles ; mean breadth two miles and a half; 
contains upwards of ten thousand acres of land ; the surface is 
diversified — the soil is gravel and limestone, the greater part of 
which is well cultivated. 

The township lies principally in the great valley. In no part 
of Berks county, do farms surpass those in this township. 
They are well cultivated, and very productive. "Few travel- 
lers," says a certain writer, speaking of this part of the county, 
''who pass through it, can well avoid the breach of the tenth 
commandment, or refrain from envying the inhabitants their 
tranquil life and abundant comforts — their spacious and. neat 
dwellings of stone, and their capacious and overflowing gar- 
ners, their fields studded with cattle and whitened with sheep, - 
are substantial witnesses of their happiness." 

It is pretty well watered ; the Conestoga creek aifords water 
jjower, on which, within the borders of Csernarvon, are several 
mills. There is some iron ore in this township, but mixed with 
some copper. This is stated upon the authority of the Assis- 
tant State Geologist. He says, speaking of Berks county: 
*' Copper ore occurs at several places within the county, but 
generally in such small quantities, and so mixed with iron, as to- 
render the expediency of working it very doubtful. Near Mor- 
gantown is a mine of this charaqter, which is not at present in 
a productive state." It contains three stores, one flouring mill, 
three grist mills, and three saw mills. Morgantown, a post vil-: 
lage, is a small town, though pleasantly situated on the Cones- 
toga turnpike road, thirteen miles from Reading; it contains 
between forty and fifty dwellings, the usual handicrafts, seve- 
ral stores and taverns; population rising of three hundred; con- 
tains a German Reformed Church. 

The population of this township was in 1830, 1440; 1840, 
1830. Horses 208; horned cattle 705; sheep 544; bushels 
of wheat 13,570; rye 4,205; corn 9,764; oats 12,859; buck- 
wheat 491; potatoes 3,597; tons of hay 713; pounds of 
wool 804; flax 1,121. Valuation of articles for county tax 
for 1844, $244,617 ; county tax $480,23 ; State tax $324,75. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. I'STT 



COLEBROOKDALE TOWNSHIP. 

Colehrookdnh township, was among the first organized town- 
ships, and settled at a comparatively early period. Among the 
first settlers were a. number of Palatine families, of whom men- 
tion is made in the Coloniel Records, in the year 1728. In 
1741, this county contained eighty-five taxables; and in 1752, 
the year Berks county was organized, the following were the 
names of the taxables of tliis township: 

Conrad Rode, Thomas Potts, Conrad Read, Mathias Dat- 
terow, John Potts, Peter Gars, Casper Richard, Leopold Long, 
Paul Picteo, Thomas Weasor, Casper Bowman, John Shouts, 
Conrad Mone, Manues Sossiminius, (Sassamanhous,) Godfried 
Kesabaer, Barnebas Rhodes, Thomas Schohn, Adam Gerber, 
David Potts, John Wartler, Adam Ritznover, John Michael 
Dotterer, Fredrick Erne, Nicholas Eiss, Conrad Boehm, An- 
drew Eschenbach, John Moir, Conrad Seihiber, John Buck- 
waiter, Peter Lower, Bernhard Wanemacher, Philip Filtz, 
Daniel Stover, Paul Finsman, John Baily, Paul Mosner, Mi- 
chael Hartlein, Michael Klein, Jacob Ganz, Stephen Hautz, 
Jacob Mathias, Ruben Tuders, Jacob Miller, Adam Lintz, Ja- 
cob Bush, John Beicker, Jacob Hauk, Frederick Potts, Jacob 
Tangier, Henry Schweitzer, Leonard Thomas, Jacob Machhn, 
Francis Carle, John Pile, George Kirch, Thomas Walker, 
George Hartley, Daniel Stover, Jacob Klotz. 

This township is at present bounded, as follows : North-east 
by Washington township, formed out of part of Colebrookdale 
and Hereford ; south-east by Montgomery county, south-west 
by Douglass, and north-west by Earl and Pike; it is near a 
square of three miles, and contains rising of six thousand acres 
of land; surfiice rather hilly ; soil principally gravel, and some 
loam; generally, however, of a good quahty, and rendered, by 
a proper system of culture, productive. The Stone and Swamp 
creek have their sources in this township, There are several 
grist mills, saw mills, fulling mills, in this township. Black 
lead has been discovered, and iron ore of the magnetic variety, 
connected with the primary rocks, abounds — one of these is 
near Boyerstown. These mines were formerly worked for the 
supply of furnaces, in the vicinity of the mines. 

Boyerstown, a post village, is situated in the south-eastern 

12* 



138 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES.. 

part of the township, where there is a church, common to the 
Lutherans and German Reformed. 

Population in 1810, 792; 1820, 1,046; 1830, 1,219; 1840, 
1,124. Horses 193 ; horned cattle 678 ; sheep 292 ; swine 393 ; 
bushels of wheat 3,303; rye 4,174; corn 7,010; oats 6,985; 
buckwheat 545 ; potatoes 3,422; tons of hay 812; pounds of 
wool 692; flax 1,392. Amount of valuation for tax for 1844, 
$333,872; county tax $667,74; State tax $432,47. 



CUMRU TOWNSHIP. 



Cumru township was, like the last named townships, primi- 
tively settled by the Welsh emigrants. It was within the limits 
of this township, that two Welshmen, brothers, by the name of 
Winters, murdered three friendly Indians. The circumstances 
connected with this affair are given in the Colonial Records, as 
detailed by Governor Gordon, who was, after the murder had 
been committed, in the neighborhood, in 1728. In laying an 
account thereof before the Council, " The Governor proceeded 
and said, that after having used several methods to quiet the 
country, (alluding here to the disturbance at Mahanatawny,) 
and to induce the people to return to their habitations, and 
having ordered some powder and lead to be distiibuled in case 
of any attack. He was preparing to return home, when he 
received the melancholy news by an express from Sanauel Nutt, 
Esq., that one Indian man and two women were cruelly mur-. 
dered, at Cucussea, by John and Walter Winters, without 
any provocation given, and two Indian girls much wounded, 
upon which a hue and cry was immediately issued against the 
murderers, and he returned back next day to ]\Iahanatawny to 
make enquiry into this matter, where he learned that the said 
Winters and one Morgan Herbert, an accomplice in said mur- 
ders, were apprehended, who being brought thither and exa- 
mined, the said Winters confessed the murder, as did likewise 
Herbert, his being present when they perpetrated the same, as 
appears from the several examinations now laid before the 
Board, and that they had nothing else to say in their justifica- 
tion, than that, from the reports in the country of the Indians 
having killed some white men, they thought they might law- 
fully kill any Indian whom they found." 



HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 139 

The following list of taxables for 1756, contains the names 
of many of the first settlers in the township : 

Adam Ziegler, Abraham Eckert, Andrew Woolf, Adam 
Householder, Amos Jenkins, Andrew Bossard, Bastian Mor- 
gan, Benjamin Horning, Casper StefF, Christian Bowman, 
Christian Stehute, Christian Brinckle, Conrad Ohard, David 
Edward, Daniel Shea, David Evans, Dietrich Fernsler, Dennis 
Brady, Francis Yarnal, Francis Kreck, Francis Steele, Georg€ 
Jacob, George Bollman, George Burkhard, George Eckert, 
George Bauer, George Kriralauf, George Englehardt, George 
Bower, George Riehm, George Geminder, George Lewis, Hans. 
Ruthey, Henry Alsbach, Henry Frelick, Harman Rule, Hans 
Zovalle, John Emy, Jacob Bauman, Jacob Eshellnian, Isaac 
Willets, Jacob Steldy, John Selegan,. John Davis, John Smithy 
John Morris, John Hengle, Jacob Ruth, James David, Jacob 
Freimeyer, Jona Stephen, Jacob Beyerly, Joseph Missler, John 
Richard, James Lewis, John Eaton, Jacob Syder, James Perst, 
John Englebrown, Joseph Wollinson, John Reed, Joseph Alt- 
house, Jacob Clower, Jolm Davis, John Bryninger, John Klinc- 
genny, John Bmckley, Ji\coh Worst, John Moon, John Creek, 
John Henton, Jonas Seely, John Bollman, John Pugh, Lud- 
wick Herman, Ludwick Moon, Michael Lamb,, Martin Koll- 
mer, Michael Meyer, Michael Shoemaker, Michael Grauel, 
Michael Ruth, Martin Beyer, Melchoir Steel, JMartin Brymin- 
ger, Martin Kromer, Nicholas Creager, Nathan Evans, Nicho- 
las Killian, Peter Hoeckert,, Peter Road, Peter Flick, Peter 
Shearman, Nicholas Cowyer, Peter Neagley, Peter Eshelman, 
Rudolph Hueberling^.Reiiihard Rorebach, Richard Lewis, Rein- 
hard Waltz, Samuel Embree, Stephen Lash, Samuel Phipps, 
Vernor Moone, Walter Burk, Vernor Weystel, William Jones, 
William Thomas, William Lerch, Nicholas Lerch, William 
Davis, Thomas Jones, Thomas Pest, Isaac Willets, Peter Road, 
Henry Beyerley, Edward Harry, William Lewis, Nathan 
Lewis, James Jones, Evan Harry, Nathaniel Morgan, John 
Peter, Solomon Davis, James Davis, John Davis, Daniel Bos-, 
sert, Jacob Creek, John Bopkin, Reuben Davis. 

The following letter written, in this township, may be inter- 
estmg to some of the readers here — though not exactly in place, 
it is given. 



140 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Sinking Spring, Sept. 10, 1763. 
John Penn, Esq. 
Honored Sir — • 
I am sorry I have to acquaint your honor of the following 
melancholy accounts, which I received by express from Capt. 
Kern, last night. On the 8th inst., a party of Indians came to 
the house of one John Fincher, about three-quarters of a mile 
distant from a party of Captain Kern's men, commanded by 
Ensign Sheffer. They killed Fincher, his wife, and two of his 
sons; his daughter is missing; one little boy made his escape 
from the savages, and came to the Ensign, who went immedi- 
ately to the place with his party. But the Indians were gone, 
and finding by their tracks which way they went, pursued them 
to the house of one Nicholas Miller, where he found four chil- 
dren murdered. Our party still pursued, and soon came up 
with the enemy, and fired on them. They returned the fire; 
but the soldiers rushed on them so furiously, that they soon ran 
off and left behind them two prisoners, two tomahawks, one 
hanger and a saddle — the Indians were eight in number, and 
our party, seven. Three of the enemy were much wounded. 
The two prisoners which our party wounded, were two of said 
Miller's children, whom they had tied together, and so drove 
them along. Miller's wife is missing — in all, there are eight 
killed, and two missing in that neigl borhood. 

I am, honored sir. 
Your most obedient 
Humble servant, 

Jonas Seely. 

This township is bounded on the north-east by the Schuyl- 
kill river, separating it froin Bern and Alsace township; on the 
south by Robeson township and Brecknock; south-west by 
Lancaster county ; and on the north-w^est by Lower Heidelberg 
township. The mean length and mean breadth, a httle more 
than seven miles; and contains rising of thirty-one thousand 
acres of land ; the surface variegated ; partly level and partly 
hilly ; the soil diversified, gravel and limestone of excellent qual- 
ity, and highly productive. 

The Welsh mountain and Flying hill, in the southern part of 
the township, are distinguished prominences, and give boldness 



HISTORY OF EERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES^ 14^; 

to the southern Lorders of Cumru. This township is well wa- 
tered. Besides the Schuylkill and Tulpehocken, other streams, 
such as the Cacoosing creek, Wymising, Angelica, and Flying 
Hill run, afford w^ater power to propel the "gearings" of one 
furnace, two forges, one fulling mill, twelve flouring mills, five 
grist mills, and five saw mills. 

There is also the Sinking Spring, near the Harrishurg turn- 
pike, about five miles from Reading, which is quite a natural 
curiosity to those who may not be familiar with the circum- 
stances frequently attending large springs in a limestone region. 
*' The water here rises and sinks again in the same basin, which 
is very deep; thence finding its way again under ground, through 
fissures and hidden caverns in the limestone rock, probably once 
more to seek the light of day in some other place." 

Near this spring is a village, deriving its name froiji the spring. 
It contains fifteen or eicrhteen dwellijio; houses, one or two 
taverns, and several stores, and a church held m common by 
the German Reformed and Lutherans. 

The county poor house — a "lordly palace" — is in this town- 
ship, about three miles from Reading, upon Angelica Farm, 
formerly the property of Governor Thomas Mif!iin. 

The population in 1810, 2,017; 1820, 2,462; 1830, 2,705; 
1840, 2,930. Horses 725; horned cattle 1,880; sheep 1,921; 
.swine 2,178; bushels of wheat 33,535; rye 26,766; corn 
34,997; oats 44,337; buckwheat 1,311; potatoes 13,451; 
tons of hay 2,541 ; pounds of wool 1,993; flax 3,750. Whole 
amount of valuation on all articles made taxable by law for 
county purposes, for 1844, $1,138,900; whole amount of 
county tax $2,277 80; State tax $1,316 66. 



DISTRICT TOWNSHIP. 



District township, is one of the north-western townships in 
the county, and was settled primitively and principally by Ger- 
mans, whose choice was among the hills, preferring this land 
on account of the springs. In 1756, the following persons 
were all taxables, and nearly all of whom were land holders : 

George Hartlein, Conrad Arnold, Thomas Banfield, Jacob 
Bush, Jeremiah Bacon, Israel Burget, John Barns, Frederick 



142 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Potts, George Brown, Henry Dener, George Trust, Joshua 
De La Plain, (Delaplain) George Dotterer, Nicholo Eis, Jacob 
Bernhard, George Oyster, Jacob I^rey, Jacob Fridge, John 
Fare, Jacob Grues, Bernhard Gembling, Jacob Hill, George 
Hartline, Michael HolFraan, Michael Hartman, Andreas Hack- 
er, Peter Hardraan, Lorentz Hauck, George Haltzlhech, Ste- 
phen Hanch, Jacob Plard, Paul Hartman, Jacob Herb, Michael 
Klein, John Kabron, George Koutz, Conrad Keim, Nicholas 
Koutz, Adam Kildan, Geroge Klauser, George Lantz, George 
Lintz, Tobias Manck, Jacob Mathias, Dietrich Mathias, Wm. 
Mackey, S. Mayberry, John Moatzer, Peter Miller, John Mil- 
ler, Wra. Miller, Henry Machanet, Frederick Mayer, Freder- 
ick Martin, Andeas Norgang, Frantz Moser, John Reidenauer, 
Michael Ptadicher, George Schall, William Stork, Jacob Stein- 
brenner, Lawrence Sheeler, sen. and jr., George Stevenson, 
Nicholas Schlister, Henry Schoerham, Valentine Schaetfer, 
Adam Urich, Jacob Walter, Peter Weller, Philip Weismiller, 
Casper Weisner, Jacob Schweitzer, George Adam Weidner, 
Jacob Roth, Charles Weis, Christopher Schock, Michael Schuh- 
raacher, Christian Brensinger, Samuel Oyster, Daniel Eyst, 
John Cobron. 

This to^^^^ship is bounded on the north by Long Swamp 
township; east by Hereford &nd Washington; south by Pike, 
and west by Rockland. Gi'eatest length four miles and a half, 
and breadth about three and a half; containing rising of seven 
thousand acres of land ;' the surface in many places very hilly ; 
soil, gravel, and of rather, naturally, an inferior quality ; aver- 
age value, when improved, not exceeding twenty-five dollars 
per acre. The land is susceptible of greater improvement than 
has been made. Pine creek and branch of Mahanatawny, 
rises in this tow^nship, on which there is a furnace — there is one 
forge, a grist mill, and a saw mill, in the towmship. 

Population in 1830, 562; 1840, 583. Horses 187; horned 
cattle 418; sheep 331; swine 300; bushels of wheat 1,572 ; rye 
3,371; corn 3,845; oats 3,416; buckwheat 1,458; potatoes 
2,946; tons of hay 392; pounds of wool 742; flax 379.— 
w^hole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable by law, 
for county purposes J$139,029 ; county tax $278,06 ; State 
tax $160,63. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 143 



DOUGLASS TOWNSHIP. 

Douglass township had been organized prior to 1740 ; that 
year it contained as many as fifty-eight taxables, and like Cole- 
brook, was principally settled by Palatines.* Its early settlers 
were alarmed by Indian skirmishes, mentioned in a preceding 
page. In 1755, the following persons resided in this township: 
Jacob Nagle, Daniel Wills, sen., Adam Miller, Henry Shom- 
berger, Valentine Foght, Jacob David Hiser, Samuel Buzard, 
Christian Kasebeer, sen., John Slice, Christian Wigle, Michael 
Coglar, Michael Kaspotz, Yoakam Neglee, Valentine Keely, 
George Hanselman, Philip Walter, sen., George Shadier Peter 
Levengood, Peter Yoakam, Andrew Ringberry, Frederick 
Wambach, Martin Nahr, Michael Holfman, Crhistian Shceler, 
George Fritz, Andrew Huling, Derick Clever, Wm. Keepers, 
Heroiiimus Spies, Leonard Hersger, John Keffer, ^Nicholas 
Reem, Christian Conrad, Christian Bender, Geo. Geringer, 
John Clows, Andrew Miller, James Bevin, Peter Sheener, 
Philip Barthner, Simon Ringberry, Philip Hapelbaker, John 
Potts, jr. 

This township is bounded north by Colebrookdale ; east by 
Montgomery county ; south by the Schuylkill river ; on the 
•west by Amity and Earl township ; the greatest length, five 
miles and a quarter, breadth two miles; contains seven thousand 
acres of land — surface undulating — soil good — not very pro- 
ductive. The Mahanatawny ci-eek passes through the south 
ern part of it, on which there is a Pine forge. Iron Stone creek 
divides the northern portion longitudinally, and nearly equally, 
till it readies the Mahanatawny. The Philadelphia & Reading 
turnpike, and the Railroad to Philadelphia, pass through the 
southern ])art of it. There is a furnace, a forge, a fulling mill, 
four grist mills, three saw mills and an oil mill, in this township. 

Population in 1810, 660; 1820, 1,046; 1830, 1,210; 1840, 
1,1 io. Horses 475 — horned cattle 754 — sheep 306 — swine 
504— bushels of w^heat 3,115— rye 8,768— corn 10,445— oats 
7,330— buckwheat 1,268— potatoes 2,131— tons of hay 794— 
pounds of (lax 295 — wool 880. Whole amount of valuation 
on all articles made taxable by law, for county purposes, for 
1844, $282,212- county tax '8564 42— State tax 8342 31. 
* Col. Rec. iii. 321. 



144 HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 



ELSACE, OR ALSACE TOWNSHIP. 

Alsace township was named after the province from which 
the first settlers had chiefly emigratedi They had come from 
a French province, called Alsace, forming the departments of 
the upper and lower Rhine. Among the first settlers were 
some descendants of French Reformed or Huguenots, and 
Swedes ; the latter were Lutherans. The greater part were 
Germans. The following were returned as taxables by the as- 
sessor in 1756. Some of them were Swedish Lutherans, others 
descendants of Huguenots.* 

Jacob Debery, Jacob Sheffer, John Urtistat, Michael Fischer, 
John Ebling, Rudolph Gehrhart, Henry Ganet, Peter Smith, 
John Haberacker, Samuel High, Nicholas Yost, Harry Schnei- 
der, Baltzer Moone, John Schmeck, Harry Becker, Herman 
De Haven, Christopher Spengler, Adam Garret, Adam Reifle, 
Dewalt Baum, Nicholas Highshoo, Frederick Goodhart, George 
Heyer, Peter Rothenberger, Philip Resser, John Lehmer, Ru- 
dolph Schleer, Michael Glasser, Michael Seller, Jacob Lancis- 
cus. Christian Kinsey, Adam Wagner, Baltzer Schwenck, Wil- 
liam Noll, Casper Millhause, Adam Schwartzbach, Harry 
Shillt, Jacob iJecker, Adam Bauman, Ernst Seitel, Conrad 
Bobb, Conrad Keller, Isaac Levan,jr., Lorentz Wentzel, Geo. 
Nees, Mathias Trenckel, Nicholas Kreisher, Jacob Heitschuh, 
Dietrich Bettleman, Adam Wordenberger, Victor Spies, Henry 
Bingeman, John Close, Richard Hockley, Jacob Boyler, Henry 
Koch, Baltzer Marthew, Adam Eple, Mathias Knob, Christo- 
pher Rodecker, George Wolf, Michael Spohn, George Sietz, 
Michael Reitmayer, David Kinsey, Daniel Hargang, Michael 
Shegtel, John Bingeman, Peter Fisher, Jonas Bauman, John 
Schmeck, Henry Bauman, Adam Scheiirer, Nicholas Fisher, 
George Rothenberger, Mathias Sauermilch, George May, 

The present boundaries of this township, including the Bo- 
rough of Reading, are as follows: On the north-west side by 
Maiden creek township; on the north-east by Ruscommanor; 
east by Oley and Exeter; and on the west by the river Schuyl- 
kill. It contains about twenty-one thousand five hundred acres 
of land. The surface of the eastern part of the township ' 



* See chapter iv., p. 80 ; and chapter v., p. 



83. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 145 

hilly and mountainous, embracing a great proportion of Perm's 
mountain and Never Sink. The western part is somewhat undu- 
lating — parts of it are level. A considerable proportion of the 
township is limestone, and highly productive. The hilly parts 
have, within the last fifteen years, been much improved, and 
the cultivator is abundantly repaid for labor bestowed upon the 
soil. 

In the south-eastern part of the township, and within two 
miles of Reading, is a chaybelate spring, well known as Kess- 
ler's Spring. It is one of the most pleasant places of resort 
during the heat of the summer, in the county. The lover of 
the "■' rugged beauties" of nature, may regale himself in this 
pleasant place of retreat, being in a secluded and highly roman- 
tic gorge of Mount Penn. Many to while away ennui, resort 
thither, — " and to sip the fluid of a rivulet which there precipi- 
tates itself, sparkling and leaping down the ravine." 

Under an excitement so prevalent in the late war — at every 
rivulet to erect without adequate protection — a manufacturer, 
Mr. Kessler, the venerated father of Charles Kessler, Esq.y of 
Reading, established a woollen factory ; but it has since been 
abandoned ; Jind the building is now used for other purposes — 
a hotel, which is "so completely hedged by mountains, and well 
shaded with original forest trees, as to be almost entirely screened 
from the influence of the sun, and is ten or fifteen degrees 
cooler in summer than the open country around. A house, 
and various works designed for the comfort and entertainment 
of visiters, are kept in excellent repair — and present no ordina- 
ry attractions." 

During the Revolution of '76, a number of British prisoners 
had taken lodgings near Kessler's Spring. " A body of Hes- 
sian prisoners, captured at Trenton in 1776, together with 
many British, and the principal Scotch Royalists, subdued and 
taken in North Carolina, were brought to Reading, and sta- 
tioned in a grove on the bank of the river Schuylkill, in the 
south part of the borough. In the fall of the same year, they 
were removed to the hill, east of the town, v,'hich is called the 
Hessian Camp to this day. There they remained some time, 
and built themselves huts m regular camp order, the greater 
part of which may be seen at the present day."* 

Among the prisoners of war at Reading, July 16, 1777, 
* Stahle's Description of Reading, p. 64. 

13 



146 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES!, 



were the following : Major Allen M'Donald, taken at Moore's 
creek, North Carolina, March 2d, 1776 ; Lieutenant Alexan- 
der M'Donald and_Major James Hepburn, all taken at the same 
time and place. 

Captain Duncan Nicol, of Royal Highlanders, or Regiment 
of emigrants. Lieutenant Hugh Frasier, Captain John Sattut, 
of the fourteenth British Regiment, and Lieutenant Christopher 
Foster of the fifty-fifth Regiment, and Lieutenant James Will- 
son, of the same Regiment, Lieutenant John Cameron, of the 
seventy-first Regiment, Lieutenant Simon Wilmot, of Light 
Dragoons, James Forster, master of a transport ship, and Jolm 
Wilkinson, mate of the same, Samuel Elphinston and James 
Horns, mates of a British ship of war, Allan McDonald, Ran- 
nold McDonald, and Archibald McDonald, taken in New York, 
Thomas Leonard, of Monmouth county, New Jersey, and John 
Duyckunck, of Brunswick. 

Some of the British prisoners had servants who were not 
prisoners. Among these was one, a negro who called himself 
Richard Barley, who attended on Lieutenant Wilmot — it was 
thought the negro was a runaway. 

The following is a copy from an original MSS. letter, before 
me, addressed to the committee for the care of prisoners of war 
at Reading. 

March 16, 1777. 
Gentlemen — 

By direction of the late Council of Safety, now the Board of 
War, I enclose you a copy of Lieutenant Simon Wilmot's pa- 
role ; he is to set out to-morrow, under the conduct of Lieute- 
nant Boehm, of the City Guards. 

I am, gentlemen, your very obedient servant, 

Lewis Nicola, Town Major, 

Besides Kessler's spring, other streams have their sources 
from Perm's mountain, such as Roush's creek, upon which are 
several mills. The small tributaries of Dry run, and other 
smaller streams, one of which supplies the Reading reservoir, 
near the head of Penn street. 

Iron ore is abundant — Mount Penn alone contains an inex- 
haustible quantity. 

This township is intersected by the turnpike from Philadel- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 147 

phia to Pottsville, which passes through the western part, and 
Ijy that which passes from Reading to Harrisburg. The 
Schuylkill canal, and the railroad from Philadelphia to Potts- 
ville, both pass through Alsace. 

There are, besides the churches in the borough of Reading, 
two churches in this township; Alsace church, about two miles 
from Reading, and Spies' church in the north-east angle of the 
township — both common to the German Reformed and Luth- 
erans. It contains two fulling mills, four grist mills, and three 
saw mills. The population of Alsace township, exclusive of 
Reading, was in 1810, 1,275; 1820, 1,640; 1830, 1,943; 
1840, 2,501. Of these there were 1,245 males, 1,256 females. 
Horses 214; horned cattle 624 ; sheep 409; swine 658; bushels 
of wheat 8,113; rye 6,196; corn 6,220; oats 8,094; buck- 
wheat 307; potatoes 3,742 ; tons of hay 820 ; pounds of wool 
230; flax 725. Whole amount of valuation on all articles 
made taxable, for county purposes, for 1844, $686,220 ; county 
tax $1,372 46; State tax $889,56. 

Reading is on the east bank of the Schuylkill,* and about 
fifty-two miles from both metropolis and capital of the State. 
The following sketch of the primitive settlement, and early his- 
tory of Reading, is from the pen of Daniel R. Keim, Esq., 
and was originally published in the Ladies^ Garland, for Feb- 
ruary, 1839. 

"As early as 1733, warrants were taken out by John and 
Samuel Finney, and four hundred and fifty acres of land sur- 
veyed under their sanction, which are now entirely embraced 
within the hmits of Reading. Whether the inducements to this 
selection were other than its general beauty and fertility, it is 
now difficult to say, though it is asserted that when the Pro- 
prietaries, John and Richard Penn, became aware of its advan- 
tages, and proposed to re-purchase for the location of a town, 
the Messrs. Finney long and firmly resisted all the efforts of 
negotiation. This produced a momentary change in the design 
of the Proprietaries, as they employed Richard Hockley to 
survey and lay out the plan of a town on the maigin of the 
Schuylkill, oppositeits confluence with the Tulpehocken. This 

* Schuylkill, Schuil-kill, or Skoal-kill, i. e. hidden-creek, or channel-^ 
the native Indians called' this stream Manijunk^ according to a Swedisi^ 
Wi'^.—Proiul ii., p. 251. 



148 HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANt)N COUNTIES. 

survey is still to be found on record, though divested of any 
date or name by which the precise period in which it was made 
can be ascertained. It is now only known as an appended 
portion to Reading, under the designation of the ' Hockley Out- 
Lots.' 

" The importance as well as the reality of the design, now 
appears to have subdued the objections of the Finneys to the 
sale of their claim, as they immediately relaxed in their de- 
mands, and finally yielded them to the proprietaries, who at 
once caused the ' Hockley plot' to be abandoned, and in the fall 
of the year 1748, that of Reading to be laid out. 

" The difficulty in obtaining water, even at great depths, 
through the limestone, was the specious reason generally as- 
signed for the sudden vacation of the former site, as the new 
one was remarkable for the numerous large and copious springs 
existing within its limits. 

" Thus, Thomas and Richard Penn, proprietaries and gover- 
nors in chief of the province of Pennsylvania, became privatci 
owners of the ground plot of Reading, the lots of which they 
carefully subjected in their titles to an annual quit or ground 
rent. Singular as it may seem, this claim became almost for- 
gotten through neglect, and the circumstances that resulted 
from the change in the old order of things produced by the re- 
volution; indeed, when recurred to at all, it was generally be- 
lieved to have become a forfeit to the State, by the nature of 
that event. But a few years ago it was revived by the heirs, 
and its collection attempted under the authority of the law; 
but so excited were the populace, and adverse to the payment 
of its accumulated amount, that it was generally, and in some 
cases, violently resisted, till the deliberations of a town meet- 
ing had suggested measures, leaning to a more direct, amicable 
and permanent compromise. 

" Like most of the primitive towns of the State, Reading is 
indebted for its name, as also for the county in which it is sit- 
uated, to the native soil of the Penn's. 

" Its area comprises about 2,194 acres of a rich calcareous 
soil, sloping gently from Penn's Mount, an elevation on its 
eastern side, to the river Schuylkill; thus presenting natural 
facilities for its drainage, and the prevention of accumulated 
filth, and adding a decided feature to its well-established cha- 
racter for health. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIEO. ±'40 

" The streets intersect each other at right angles, and form 
in their direction almost correct indices to the cardinal points 
of the compass. Their original names were retained to a very 
recent date, (Aug. 6, 1833,) and were characteristic of the 
loyalty of the proprietary feeling, as well as family attachment 
and regard. 

" King, Queen, Prince, Duke, Earl, and Lord streets, suffi- 
ciently evidence the strength of the former, whilst the main or 
central streets, Penn and Callowhill, are as distinctly indicative 
offihal regard. 

" Hannah Callowhill, their mother^ was the second wife of 
William Penn, and had issue beside Thomas and Richard, of 
John, Margaret and Dennis, whence also had originated the 
names of Thomas, Margaret, and Richard streets. Hamilton 
street, from. James Hamilton, Esq., who was Deputy Governor 
of the Province at that period. 

" The names now substituted 'as more compatible with the 
republican simplicity of our present form of government,' are 
similar to those of Philadelphia, as the streets running north 
and south commence at Water street, on the Schuylkill, and 
extend to Twelfth street, while those running cast and west 
are called Penn, Franklin, Washington, Chestnut and Walnut 
streets. 

" In 1751, Reading contained 130 dwelhng houses, besides 
stables and other buildings — 106 families, and 378 inhabitants, 
though about two years before it had not above one house 
in it. 

The original population was principally Germans, who emi- 
grated from Wurtemberg, and the Palatinate, though the ad- 
ministration of pubhc affairs was chiefly in the hands- of the 
Friends. 

" The former by their preponderance of number, gave tiie 
decided character in habits and language to the place, as the 
German was alm>cst exclusively used in the ordinary transac- 
tions of life and business, and is yet retained to a very great 
extent." 

As late as 1754, bears were still plenty in the vicinity of 
Reading. From an extract of a letter dated at Reading, Sept.. 
22, 1754, to a gentleman in Philadelphia, it would appear so, 
"The bears were never half so numerous as now: voueaE.. 

13- 



150 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

scarce go a mile without seeing one. Several of them have 
been killed near this town lately." — Phil. Gazette, 1754. 

The following were returned by the assessor in 1757, as 
taxables of the town of Reading: 

Adam Geier, Andreas Fighthorn, Adam Eppler, Adam Ege, 
Abraham Smith, Andreas Engle, Alexai.viei ivlinger, Abraham 
Kerber, Anthony Fricker, Adam Widman, Adam Fas, Adam 
Schlegle, Adam Wirenberger, Adam Brosius, Eastian Krauser, 
Bernhard Rhorbauch, Benjamin Pearson, Baltzer Sneyder, 
Baltzer Henning, Baltzer Meuerlin, Conrad Weiser, Esq., Con- 
rad Bower, Christopher Lehman, Conrad Braun, Conrad Dress, 
Christian Samet, Christopher Smid, Conrad Reichstein, Chris- 
tian Banse, Christian Merchel, Conrad Stichler, Conrad Nei- 
hard, David Henderson, David Meuerlen, David Schreck, 
Henry Aaun, Dorst Phister, Erst Maurer, Edward Drury, 
Erhard Rose, Eberhard Martin, Amos Evans, Evan Price, 
Francis Wenrich, Frederick Miller, Frederick Perlet, Francis 
Gibson, Frederick Zinn, George Diehl, George Bernhard, 
George Yoe, George Deible, George Springer, George Jock, 
George Handschuh, Gottlieb Strohecker, George Heist, Ga- 
briel Schop, George Geisler, George Schultz, George Sourbry, 
George Wunder, George Stump, Henry Dosselbauer, Henry 
Gulhard, Henry Ruhl, Henry Wolf, Henry Gossler, Henry 
Degenhard, Henry Rightmeyer, Henry Singer, Henry Hahn, 
Isaac Wickersham, John Schorb, John Sweitzer, Jacob Lutz, 
Joseph Henck, John Smith, Jacob Kern, Jacob Fisher, Joseph 
Sharaon, John Richner, James Keemer, Jacob Rabold, John 
Schneider, Jacob Hettler, Jacob Dehn, Israel Jacobs, Jacob 
Yaeger, Jacob Bucher, John Dengler, John Gross, John Wea- 
ber, John Henrich, John Jacobs, John Lebo, John Schried, 
Jacob Leybrock, James Read, Esq., Jacob Balde, Isaiah Ris, 
John Wideman, Joseph BrintUnger, John Bertolet, John Koch, 
John Eisenbeis, John Bernheisel, Jacob i^lagle, John Morge, 
Isaac Young, John Hardman, Joseph Ritner, Joseph Perret, 
Julius Kerber, Jacob Dick, John Philippi, John Kurtz, Henry 
Kraft, Ludwig Weidman, Ludwig Ember, Leonard Spang, Lo- 
rentz Fix, Michael Reitmoyer, Michael Brecht, Martin Kast, 
Michael Seister, Michael Hag, Michael Fedder, Mathias Fei- 
gle, Mathias Mayer, Michael Rosch, jr., Michael Rosch, senr., 
Martin Ege, Michael Spaz, Mathias Bonhman, Mathias Hein-. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 151 

lein, Michael Fichthorn, Nicholas Seysinger, Nicholas Gods- 
chalk, Nichojas Morris, Nicholas Schabert, Nicholas Neidle, 
Nicholas Keiin, Philip Weis, Philip Smith, Peter Loch, Philip 
Nagle, Philip Sehler, Peter Feder, Peter Dehm, Peter Weiser, 
Peter Kleim, Peter Haas, Peter Ivlinger, Philip Mayor, Peter 
Baum, Phihp Marselaaf, Paul Perlet, Philip Phising, Samuel 
Hush, Stophel Widman, Samson Mitelberger, Samuel Shultz, 
StophelNeidley, Simon Nagle, Stophel Mileisen,Thomas Dehm, 
Thomas Lincoln, Valentine Kerper, Valentine Urledig, William 
Reiser, WilUam Clues, William Iddings, WilHarn Max, William 
Orman, William Ermel, William Miller, Huttenstein, William 
Frick, William Koch, Williani Gress, William Miller, Wolfgang* 
Haga, Jacob Bulkert, Martin Young, Martin Kraft, Andrew- 
Smith, Samuel Weiser, David Rine, Henry Whitman, John Sour- 
milk, James Whitehead, Benjamin Lightfoot, Nathan Lyon, 
James Starr, Robert Popkin, Isaac Lebo, Samuel Jackson, 
Thomas Barcher, Elijah Pearson, Michael Scherchtoly. 

During the French and Lulian war, the inhabitants were oc- 
casionally alarmed on account of the Indians, [See chap, iii., 
pp. 47, 50, 54.] Their hopes and fears, owing to the alliance 
between the Indians and French, and conduct of some inhabi- 
tants among them, were often excited, as will appear from the 
following public documents: 

To THE Hon. Gov. Morris,* 

Sir : — As all our Protestant inhabitants are very uneasy at 
the behavior of the Roman Catholics, who are very numerous, 
in this county, some of whom show great joy at the very bad 
news lately from the army,t we thought it our duty to inform 
your honor of our dangerous situation, and to beg your honor 
to enable us by some legal authority to disarm or otherwise to 
disable the papists from doing injury to other peo})le who are 
not of their vile principles. We know that the people of the 
Roman Catholic church are bound by their principles to be the 
worst subjects and worst of neighbors ; and we have reason to 
fear, at this time, that the Roman Catholics in Cussahoppen, 
where they have a very magnificent chapel, and lately have 
had large processions, have bad designs; for in the neighbor- 
hood of that chapel, it is reported, and generally believed, that 

* Provincial Records, N. p. 125. 
t Alluding, to Braddock's defeat. 



152 HISTORY OF BERKS AKD LEBANON- C0UNTIE3-. 

thirty Indians are now lurking, well armed with guns anJ 
swords, or cutlasses. The priest at Reading, as well as Cu£- 
sahoppen, last Sunday gave notice to their people, that they 
could not come to them again in less than nine weeks, whereas 
they constantly preach once in four weeks to their congrega- 
tions ; whereupon some imagine, they are gone to consult with 
our enemies at Du Quesne. It is a great unhappiness, at this 
time, to the other people of this province, that the papists 
should keep fire arms in their houses, agaitist which the pro- 
testants are not prepared, who, therefore, are subject to a mas- 
sacre whenever the papists are ready. We pray that your 
Honor would direct us in this important business, by the bearer, 
whom we have sent express to your honor. 

We are, may it please your honor, 

Your honor's most obedient servants, 
Henry Harvey, 
James Read, 
William Bird, 
Jonas Seely, 
Conrad Weiser, 
Justices of Berks County. 
Heidelberg, July 23, 1755. 

This excitement was not only among the inhabitants of 
Berks — but the people of Northampton had strong objections 
to the Cathohcs about the same time. 

'•' To the Worshipful, the Justices of the Court of General 
Quarter Sessions of the Peace, held at Easton, for the county 
of Northampton, the ISth June, 1755. 

"The petition of divers inhabitants of said town and others, 
humbly showeth : — That your petitioners are very apprehensive 
your worships have been greatly imposed upon, in granting 
recommendations to his honor, the governor, for sunchy Ro- 
man Catholics, out of legiance of his present majesty, our most 
gracious sovereign, for keeping public house, in this town, when 
an open rupture is now daily expected between a Roman Catho- 
lic powerful and perfidious prince, and the crown of Great Bri- 
tain; as the Romans have thereby a better opportunity of be- 
coming acquainted with our designs against them, and thereby- 
better enabled to discover those designs and render them abor- 
tive. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 15S 

" Your petitioners therefore pray, that your honors will 
make proper inquiry into this matter, and grant such redress as 
the circumstances of things may require; and your petitioners 
will ever pray, &c. 

"John Fricker, a Catholic applicant, was then refused a re- 
commendation, because he was a Roman Catholic." 

Time has tested the grounds of the suspicions of those op- 
posed to Catholics- Facts settle doubts, and remove or con- 
hrra prejudices. The current is still strong against them. They 
induce it by their importunities for office, and their consequent 
success, naturally engenders these feelings against them; espe- 
cially among the Germans against the Irish portion of them. 
The blustering and swaggering of some at the polls, are offensive, 
not only to Germans, but to all true Americans; and the day 
is not distant, when an end must be put to these encroachments 
for the safety and permanency of our free institutions. A 
general diffusion of knowledge is the only remedy. 

During the revolution of "76, Reading was resorted to by 
Philadelphians, and a place equally safe from the dangers to 
which the metropolis was more exposed, as a place of retire- 
ment from the political commotions of the city. Alexander 
Graydon, born at Bristol, April 10, 1752, and who had been 
taken prisoner at New York, but while on parole visited his 
mother, who had removed her residence to Reading, gives some 
interesting incidents by way of reminiscences of his stay here, 
in 1777. 

In his Memoirs, page 263, he says, " My mother, as already 
mentioned, having removed her residence to Reading, thither, 
in company with the lady so often adverted to, whose family 
was also established there, we proceeded in high spirits. 

"A'lany other Philadelphians had recourse to this town, as a 
place of safety from a sudden incursion of the enemy; and, 
among a score or more of fugitive families, were those of Gen. 
Mif!lin and my uncle, as I have called Mr. Biddle, though only 
standing in that relation by marriage. 

"It was also the station assigned to a number of prisoners, 
both British and German, as well as of the principal Scotch 
royalists, that had been subdued and taken m North Carolina. 
I soon discovered that a material change had taken place 



154 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

(luring my absence from Pennsylvaiiia; and that the pulses of 
many, that at the time of my leaving it, had beaten high in the 
cause of whigism and liberty, were consiilerably lowered. 
Power, to use a language which had already ceased to be or- 
thodox, and could therefore only be whispered, had fallen into 
low hands: The better sort were disgusted and weary of the 
war. Congress, indeed, bad given out that they had counted 
the cost of the contest ; but it was but too apparent, that very 
many of their adherents, had made false calculations on the 
subject, having neither allowed enough for disasters in the field, 
nor domestic chagrins, the inevitable consequence of a dissolu- 
tion of old power and the assumption of new. It was, in fact, 
just beginning to be perceived, that the ardor of the inflamed 
multitude is not to be tempered ; and that the instigators of 
revolutions are rarely those who are destined to conclude them, 
or profit by them. 

The great cause of schism among the whigs, had been the 
declaration of independence. Its adoption had, of course, ren- 
dered numbers malcontent ; and thence, by a very natural tran- 
sition, consigned them to the tory ranks. Unfortunately for 
me, this was the predicament in which I found my nearest and 
best friend, whose example had no doubt contributed to the 
formation of my political opinions, and whose advice, concur- 
ring with my own sense of duty, had placed me in the army. 
I now discovered, that we no longer thought or felt alike; and 
though no rupture took place, some coldness ensued^ and I have 
to regret a few words of asperity which passed between us, on 
occasion of the French alliance. But this was but a momen- 
tary blast; as neither of us was affected with that hateful bi- 
gotry, which too generally actuated whigs and tories, and led 
to mutual persecution, as one or other had the ascendancy. 

As to the whigs, the very cause for which they contended, was 
essentially that of freedom, and yet all the freedom it granted 
was, at the peril of tar and feathers, to think and act like them-- 
selves, the extent indeed of all toleration proceeding from the 
multitude, whether advocating the divine right of a king, the 
divine sovereignty of the people, or of the idol it may be pleased 
to constitute its unerring plenipotentiary. Toleration is only 
to be looked for upon points in which men are indifferent, or 
where they are duly checked and restrained, by a, salutary au- 
thority. 



lilSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANOJJ COUNTIES. iO'5 

Mr. Edward Biddle, then in a declining state of health, and 
-no longer in Congress, apparently entertained sentiments not 
accordant with the measures pursuing; and in the fervid style 
of elocution, for which he was distinguished, he often exclaim- 
ed, that he really knew not what to wish for. " The subjuga- 
tion of my country," he would say, "I deprecate as a most 
grievous calamity, and yet sicken at the idea of thirteen, un- 
connected, petty democracies ; if we are to be independent, let 
us, in the name of God, at once have an empire, and place 
Washington at the head of it."* 

Fortunately for our existence as a nation, a great proportion 
of those, whose early exertions tended to that issue, were not 
aware of the price by which it was to be acquired ; otherwise, 
ray knowledge of the general feeling at this time, so far as my 
means of information extended, obliges me to say, that it would 
not have been achieved. Not that disgust and despondence 
were universal among the leading and best informed whigs, but 
an equal proportion of disaffection to independence, in the early 
part of the year 1776, must have defeated the enterprize. Still, 
it may be observed, that as whigism declined among the high- 
er classes, it increased in the inferior ; because they who com- 
posed them, thereby obtained power and consequence. Uni- 
forms and epaulets, with militia titles and paper money, making 
numbers of persons gentlemen who had never been so before, 
kept up every where throughout the country, the spirit of op- 
position ; and if these w^ere not real patriotism, they were very 
good substitutes for it. Could there, in fact, be any compari- 
son between the condition of a daily drudge in agricultural or 
mechanic labor, and that of a spruce, militia-man, living with- 
out work, and, at the same time, having plenty of continental 
dollars in his pocket I How could he be otherwise than well 
effected to such a cause I 

The success of General Howe ; the loss of Philadelphia ; as 
well as the ground given in the northern quarter by the retreat 
of General St. Clair, were amply counterbalanced by the utter 
extinction of Burgoyne's army, on the 15th of October. As 

* I have presumed to put in the wrong, those who were adverse to the 
declaration of independence; and the high ground on which we have since 
stood, fully justified me : but present appearances seem again to unsettle 
the question, in the minds of those at least who are heterodox enough to 
doubt the eligibility of a dependence oa France. 



156 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES'. 

Reading lay in the route from Saratoga to Yorktown, where 
Congress was now assembled, we received, before that body, 
the particulars of this glorious event, from Major Wilkinson, 
who was charged with the despatches of General Gates. But 
without loading ray memoirs with obvious and trite reflections 
on this memorable occurrence, I turn a moment to myself, to 
observe: That were I prey to the vulture of ill-star'd ambition, 
the mention of a gentleman-, with whom I commenced in th'e 
same rank, my military career, and who is now in the chief 
commands of the American force, might suggest, somewhat 
unpleasantly, the immeasurable distance he has left me behind ; 
but the recollections his name awakens with infinitely more in- 
terest, are of a nature wholly different. They relate to pur- 
suits and occupations of a character more congenial to that sea- 
son of life, when, as a student of physic, he attended medical 
lectures in Philadelphia, before either of us wore a uniform, 
and before a foundation was laid for tlie many strifes which 
have since ensued. Thus much, without connecting him with 
any of them, I freely pay to the remembrance of an early 
friendship, ever renewed when casualities have brought us to- 
gether, maugre the enstranging influence of different party ^asso- 
ciations. 

The ensuing winter, at Reading, was gay and agreeable, 
notwithstanding that the enemy was in possession of the metro- 
|)olis. The society was sutticiently large and select; and a 
sense of common suffering in being driven from their homes, 
had the effect of more closely uniting its members. Disasters 
of this kind, if duly weighed, are not grievously to be deplored^ 
The variety and bustle they bring along with them, give a 
spring to the mind ; and when illumined by hope, as was now 
the case, they are, when present, not painful, and when past, 
they are among the incidents most pleasing in retrospection. 
Besides the families established in this place, it was seldom with- 
out a number of visiters, gentlemen of the army, and others. 
Hence the dissipation of cards, sleighing parties, balls, &c., was 
freely indulged. General Mifflin, at this era, was at home, a 
chief out of war, complaining, though not ill, considerably mal- 
content, and apparently, not in high favor at head-quarters. 
According to him, the ear of the commander-in-chief was ex- 
clusively possessed by Greene, who was represented to be 
neither the most wise, the most brave, nor most patriotic of 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 157 

counsellors. In short, the campaign in this quarter, was stig- 
matised as a series of blunders; and the incapacity of those who 
had conducted it, unsparingly reprobated. 

The better fortune of the northern army, was ascribed to the 
superior talents of its leader; and it began to be whispered, 
that Gates was the man who should, of right, have the station 
so incompetently sustained by Washington. There was, to all 
appearance, a cabal forming for his deposition, in which, it is 
not improbable, that Gates, Mifflin and Conway, were already 
engaged ; and, in which, the congenial spirit of Lee, on his ex- 
change, immediately took a share. The well known apostro- 
phe of Conway to America, importing " that Heaven had 
passed a decree in her favor, or her ruin must long before have 
ensued, from the imbecility of her military counsels," was, at 
tliis time, familiar at Reading; and I heard him myself, when 
he was afterwards on a visit to that place, express himself to 
that effect: *' That no man was more a gentleman than Gen- 
eral Washington, or appeared to more advantage at his table, 
or in the usual intercourse of Hfe ; but as to his talents for the 
command of an army, (with a French shrug,) they were miser- 
able indeed." Observations of this kind, continually repeated, 
could not fail to make an impression within the sphere of their 
circulation; and it may be said, that the popularity of the com- 
mander in chief, was a good deal impaired at Reading. As to 
myself, however, I can confidently aver, that I never was pro- 
selyted ; or gave into the opinion for a moment, that any man 
in America, was worthy to supplant the exalted character, that 
presided in her army. 

I might have been disposed, perhaps, to believe that such 
talents as were possessed by Lee, could they be brought to act 
subordinately, might often be useful to him ; but I ever thought 
it would be a fatal error, to put any other in his place. Nor 
was I the only one, who forbore to become a. partizan of 
Gates. Several others thought they saw symptoms of selfish- 
ness in the business; nor could the great eclat of the northern 
campaign, convince them, that its hero was superior to Wash- 
ington. The duel which afterwards took place between Gen- 
erals Conway and Cadvvalader, though immediately proceeding 
from an unfavorable opinion expressed by the latter, of the 
conduct of the former at Germantown, had perhaps a deeper 
origin, and some reference to this intrigue; as I had the mean£ 



158 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

of knowing, that General Cadwalader, suspecting Mifflin had 
instigated Conway to fight him, was extremely earnest to ob- 
tain data from a gentleman who lived in Reading, whereon to 
ground a serious explanation with Mifflin. [Not that Gener- 
al Cadwalader was induced from the intrigue to speak unfa- 
vorably of General Conway's behavior at Gerraantown. That 
of itself, was a sufficient ground of censure. Conway, it seems, 
during the action, was found in a farm-house by Generals Reed 
and Cadwalader. Upon their enquiring the cause, he replied, 
in great agitation, that his horse was wounded in the neck. — 
Being urged to get another horse, and at any rate to join his 
brigade which was engaged, he declined it, repeating that his 
horse was wounded in the neck. Upon Conway's applyino- to 
Congress, some time after, to be made a major general, and 
earnestly urging his suit, Cadwalader made known this con- 
duct of his at Germantown; and it was for so doing, that Con- 
way gave the challenge, the issue of which, was, his beino- dan- 
gerously wounded in the face from the pistol of General Cad- 
walader. He recovered, however, and some time after went to 
France.] So much for the manoeuvring, which my location at 
one of its principal seats, brought me acquainted with ; and 
which, its authors were soon after desirous of burying in ob- 
livion. 

Among the persons, who, this winter, spent much time in 
Reading, was one Luttiloe, foreigner, who was afterwards ar- 
rested in London on suspicion of hostile designs ; also, Mr^ 
William Duer, who either was, or lately had been, a member 
of Congress. His character is well known. He was of the 
dashing cast, a man of the world, confident and animated, with 
a promptitude in displaying the wit and talents he possessed, 
with very little regard to the decorum, which either time or 
place imposed. Of this, he gave an instance one day, at Mr. 
Edward Biddle's, which, had it been on a theatre, where the 
royal cause was predominant, I should have relished it : as it 
was, it was unpleasant to me. 

Captain Speke, of the British army, a prisoner, was present, 
with his eye on a newspaper, several of which had lately come 
out of Philadelphia, when Duer, taking up another, began to 
read aloud, commenting with much sarcasm on the paragraphs 
as he went along. Speke bore it a good while, but at length 
Duer's remarks became so pinching, that he was roused to a 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 159 

reply. To this he received a ready rejoinder, and a warm al- 
tercation was on the point of taking place, when captain Speke 
prudently took the resolution of relinquishing the field; and 
taking up his hat, abruptly retired. As Speke, although a 
thorough Englishman, was a well bred man, with whom 1 had 
become acquainted, and had exchanged some civilities, I was 
not a little hurt at this circumstance, as the company in gener- 
al seemed to be. 

Duer, for his part, triumphed in his success, displaying a 
heart, which, however bold on the safe side of the lines, might 
nevertheless have been sufnciently meek on the other ; at least, 
such a conduct would but conform to the result of my obser- 
vations on persons who play the bashaw in prosperity ; and I 
beUeve it is pretty generally agreed, to be no mark of game to 
crow upon a dunghill. While upon the subject of Captain 
Speke, I will finish the little I have to say of him. He be- 
longed, if my recollection does not fail me, to the same regi- 
ment with Mr. Eecket ; at least, he was acquainted with him, 
and told me had heard him speak of me. He was young and 
Hvely, with an addiction to that sly significance of remark, 
characteristic both of his profession and his nation; and which 
may be pardoned, when accompanied with good humor. Tak- 
ing up my hat one day, when at his quarters to take coffee 
with him and one or two others of his fellow prisoners, he ob- 
served, that it was a very decent one, which is more, said he, 
than I can say of those generally worn by the officers of your 
array; they have precisely, what we call in England, the 
da7nn my eyes cock. At another time, having called ispon me 
at ray mother's, I was led by some circumstance, to advert to 
the awkward form and low ceiling of the room; but ''faith," 
said he, looking round, " you have made the most of it with 
furniture ;" which was true enough, as it was umnercifully over- 
loaded with chairs, tables and family pictures. 

Such freedoms may fully justify me in scanning Mr. Speke, 
who, to say the truth, was, in point of information, far above 
the level which is allowed to the gentlemen of the British army, 
by Swift and other writers of their nation. As to "your JVo- 
veds, and Blutarks, and Omars and stuff," I know not, if he 
was of the noble captain's opinion, in Hannah's animated plea 
for turning Hamilton's bawn into a barrack; but he had read 
gome of the English poets; and speaking of Prior and Pope, 1 



160 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

remember his saying, that the former was much preferred to 
the latter, by people of taste in England. But grant what we 
may to the sprightliness and easy gaiety of Prior, this can 
hardly be the award of sound criticism. Being heartily tired 
of the condition, Mr. Speke was extremely anxious to get rid 
of it, and to this effect suggested, that by mutual exertion, we 
might be exchanged for each other. He said that if I could 
obtain permission for him to go to Philadelphia on parole, he 
had no doubt of having sufficient interest to effect it. I accord- 
ingly took the liberty to write to General Washington on the 
subject, but was a long time in suspense as to the success of 
my application. An additional inducement to the step, was, 
that both Colonel Miles, and Major West, had by requisition 
of General Howe, repaired to Philadelphia; and I every day 
expected a similar summons. 

It had been given out that these gentlemen had not observed 
all the passiveness which had been enjoined upon them by their 
parole ; and I well knew that I was charged with a like trans- 
gression. I spoke freely, it is true, of the treatment of pri- 
soners; and this was considered by the tories and some of the 
British officers in our hands, as very unpardonable in one who 
had been favored as I had been; and I was aware that I was 
threatened with a retraction of the indulgence. I remained, 
however, unmolested. The situation of Miles and West in the 
neighborhood of the army at White Marsh, was, perhaps, the 
circumstance which gave color to the accusation against them; 
but they were not lono^ detained. 

Besides, that it would have ill comported with the indul- 

fence I enjoyed, it was abhorrent to my feelings, to behave 
aughtUy to a prisoner. There were two puppies, however, 
in that predicament, in whom I immediately recognised the in- 
solent manner of a genuine scoundrel in red; and these, I cautious- 
ly avoided. They were subalterns; one of whom, of the name 
of Wilson, was base enough, under the false pretence of being 
related to Captain Wilson, who he had some how learned, 
had treated me with civility, to borrow a few guineas of my 
mother, which it unluckily slipped his memory to repay. Had 
I been aware of the application, the loan would have been pre- 
vented ; but I never knew of the circumstance, until after his 
exchange. 

With the exception of these fellows, who, I had the mortifi- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 161 

cation to hear, had found their way to Gen. Washington's table, 
at the time of their being taken, all the prisoners in Reading 
behaved with much decency. Among them, were a number of 
German officers, who had really the appearance of being, what 
we call, downright men. There was a Major Stine, a Captain 
Sobbe, and a Captain Wetherholt, of the Hessians, whom I 
sometimes fell in with. 

There were several others, with whom I was not acquainted, 
and whose names I do not remember. One old gentleman, a 
Colonel, was a great professional reader, whom, on his applica- 
cation, I accommodated with such books of the kind, as I had. 
Another of them, a very portly personage, apparently replete 
with national phlegm, Avas, nevertheless, enthusiastically de- 
voted to music, in which he was so absorbed, as seldom to go 
abroad. I did not know this musical gentleman, except by 
sight; but I have understood from those who did, that call upon 
him at what time they would, and, like another Achilles in re- 
tirement, 

Amus'd at ease, the godlike man they found. 
Pleas'd with the solemn harp's harmonious sound : 

For this was the obsolete instrument, from which he extracted 
the sounds that so much delighted him. But of all the pri- 
soners, one Graff, a Brunswick ofiicer taken by General Gates's 
army, was admitted to the greatest privileges. Under the pa- 
tronage of Dr. Potts, who had been principal surgeon in the 
northern department, he had been introduced to our dancing 
parties; and being always afterwards invited, he never failed 
to attend. He was a young man of mild and pleasing manners, 
with urbanity enough to witness the little triumphs of parly, 
without being incited to ill humor by them. Over hearing a 
dance called for, one evening, which we named Burgoyne^s 
surrender, he observed to his partner, that it was a very pretty 
dance, notwithstanding the name; and that General Burgoyne 
himself would be happy to dance it in such good company. 
There was also a Mr. Stutzoe, of the Brunswick dragoons, 
than whose, I have seldom seen a figure more martial, or a 
manner more indicative of that manly openness, which is sup- 
posed to belong to the character of a soldier. I had a shght 
acquaintance with him; and recollect with satisfaction, his call- 
ing on me at the time of his exchange, to make me his acknow - 

14* 



162 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBAWOIf COUNTIES. 

ledgments, as he was pleased to say, for my civilities to the 
prisoners. 

Perhaps I may be excused for these trifling details, when it 
it is considered, that they serve to mark the temper of the times, 
and to shew, that they were not all fire and fury, as certain 
modern pretenders to the spirit of seventy-six, have almost per- 
suaded us they were. It ought to be granted, indeed, that an 
equal degree of toleration, was not every where to be met wjth. 
It would scarcely have been found in that description of per- 
sons, which soon arrogated, and have since voted themselves 
the exclusive possession of all the patriotism in the nation. 
Even that small portion of the monopolists which resided at 
Reading, revolted at a moderation they did not understand; 
and all who were less violent and bigoted than themselves, 
were branded as tories. All the families which had removed 
from Philadelphia were involved in this reproach; and, in their 
avoidance of the enemy to the manifest injury of their affairs, 
they were supposed to exhibit proofs of disafiection. Nor was 
I much better off: my having risked myself in the field was 
nothing: I should have staid at heme, talked big, been a mili- 
tia-man, and hunted tories. 

In confirmation of my remark, that toleration was not among 
the virtues affected by those who were emphatically styled the 
people, I will instance the case of a young Scotch officer of the 
name of Dunlap, who was one day beset in the street, by cer- 
tain persons overflowing with whigism; and, for presuming to 
resent the insults he received from them, was not only cudgelled, 
but afterwards put to jail. This treatment might have fairly 
squared with that of our officers from the royal side, in relation 
to the fish sellers; though I will undertake to aver, that, gene- 
rally speaking, the prisoners in our hands were treated both 
with lenity and generosity. Some time after this affray, hap- 
pening, at a table, in Philadelphia, to be placed by the side of 
Doctor Witherspoon, then a member of Congress, I took occa- 
sion to mention it to him, and to inteicede for his good offices 
in regard to the libeiation of Dunlap, who was still in jail. 

I counted something upon the national spirit, supposed to be 
so prevalent among ISorth Eritons; and yet more, upon the 
circumstance of knowing from Dunlap and two other young 
Scotchmen, his fellow prisoners, that Doctor Witherspoon had 
been well acquainted with their families. I did not find, how- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 163 

ever, that the doctor was much melted to compassicn for the 
mishap of his countryman, as he contented himself with coldly 
observing, that if I could suggest any substantial ground for 
him to proceed upon, he would do what he could for the young 
man. 

It appeared to me that enough had been suggested, by my 
simple relation of the facts; and I had nothing more to offer. 
But whether or not my application was of any benefit to its 
object, my presentation of the laddies to the recollection of the 
doctor, seemed to have something of national interest in it; and 
had the effect, to incite him to a shrewd remark, accordino- to 
his manner. He told me he had seen the young men soon after 
they had been taken, and was surprised to find one of them, 
whose name I forgot, so much of a cub. His father, said he, 
was a very sprightly fellow, when I knew him. This lad is 
the fruit of a second marriage; and I immediately concluded, 
when I saw him, said the doctor, that Jeramey, or Sawney 
something, mentioning the father's name, had taken some clumsy 
girl to wife, for the sake of a fortune. 

On looking back here, and adverting to the free observations 
I have from time to time made, both on revolutionary men and 
measures, I am aware that I have no forgiveness from many, 
for attempting to rub off the fine varnish M'hich adheres to them. 
But I set out with the avowed design of declaring the truth ; 
and to this, I have most sacredly and conscientiously conformed, 
according to my persuasions, even as to the coloring of each 
particular I have touched upon. 

The same veracity shall direct my future delineations, well 
Icnowing, that, independently of my obligations to do justice, 
this alone must circumscribe the merit of my memoirs. That 
we were not, and still are not without patriotism, in an equal 
degree, perhaps, with other nations, I have no inclination to 
question; but that a noble disinterestedness and willingness to 
sacrifice private interest to public good, should be the general 
disposition any where, ray acquaintance with human nature, 
neither warrants me in asserting, or believing. The preva- 
lence of generous sentiment, of which, no doubt, there is a por- 
tion in all communities, depends very much upon those, who 
have the direction of their affairs. Under the guidance of 
Washington, both during the revolution and his administration 
of the general government, the honorable feehngs being cher- 



164 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

ished and brought into action, they had a temporary predomi- 
nance over those, which were selfish and base. But these, in 
their turn, having acquired the ascendancy, we may sadly re- 
cognize with the poet, that 

An empty form 
Is the M'eak virtue that amid the shade 
Lamenting lies, with future schemes amus'd, 
While wickedness and folly, kindred powers. 
Confound the world. 

Reminiscences of Reading in 1798-'99. — Shortly after the 
election of John Adams, several acts were passed by Congress, 
which were obnoxious to a portion of the people of East Penn- 
sylvania, in consequence of which, Berks, Bucks, and North- 
ampton, presented scenes of excitement. In Northampton, a 
party headed by one Fries, resisted attempts by the federal 
government to collect a direct tax — well known by the name 
of ^Hhe house tax." John Fries, a desperado, and his asso- 
ciates, not only resisted the assessors, but in hot pursuit chased 
them from township to township. It is said there were parties 
of them — fifty and sixty in number — most of them well armed. 
Fries himself was armed with a large horse pistol, and accom- 
panied by one Kuyder, who assisted him in command. They 
seized several assessors. 

In some parts of the counties named, in demonstration of 
their opposition to government, they erected liberty poles. To 
quell the insurrection, troops, in obedience to Adams' instruc- 
tions, were raised in Lancaster county — several companies 
marched from Lancaster, Apiil 1, 1799 ; wending their front 
toward the arena of dispute, by way of Reading, when Cap- 
tain Montgomery's troop of light horse arrived on the evening 
of the 1st of April. Their first act, to display their prowess 
and gallantry, was to go clandestinely to the house of Jacob 
Gosin, who in the spii it of the times had erected a liberty pole 
on his own premises, which they cut, without meeting any re- 
sistance. 

To give undoubted proof of their daring bravery, they bran- 
dished their damascene weapons — drew pistols, to show that 
they were armed, in the house of the inoffensive father, whose 
minor children were scared "half to death," at the martial ma- 
noeuvers of the Lancaster troops. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 165 

To let no time slip, and while they were undaunted, they pro- 
ceeded from Gosin's to the house of John Strohecker, whither 
their eagle eyes were drawn by a recently erected pole, tipped with 
a rag, "flapping in the breeze." This pole, to show the inde- 
pendence of some sturdy urchins, had been erected by some 
children, in w^hich Strohecker's were ringleaders. To deter 
these young heroes, the soldiers took down the pole, stripped 
it of its insignia — entered the house where they Ibund the little 
wights — and as they did at Gosin's, so did they here — bran- 
dished weapons of war — presented pistols and swords to the 
youthful company, to no small alarm of both parents and 
children I ! 

To consummate their martial plans and designs, they molested 
the house of Jacob Epler — maltreated him unprovokedly. — 
Like bravos ever merit — these merited the contempt of all re- 
flecting persons — rendering themselves obnoxious to the order- 
ly and well disposed among all classes. 

Satisfied of having rendered their country some service, the 
troop next morning started for Northampton, to fully execute 
the specific purpose of their mission. This done, they again 
returned by way of Reading, where they entered the ofl^ce of 
the "^rf/er„" a paper edited and printed by Jacob Schneider, 
whom they rudely denuded, by violently taring his clothes 
from his body, in a somewhat inclement season, and by force 
of arms, dragged him before the commanding captain, who pe- 
remptorily ordered the editor, for writing and printing some of- 
fensive articles, to be whipped; "twenty-five lashes," said he, 
shall be well laid on his denuded back, in the market house" — 
which order was, however, not executed, because of the timely 
and manly interposition of some gentlemen of Captain Leiper's 
company, of Philadelphia. A few lashes, however, had been 
inflicted before these men had time to fully interpose — these 
were laid on by one accustomed to beat, when httle resistance 
is to be dreaded — he was a drummer ! I 

Colonel Epler, who it appears, had by this time erected, by 
the assistance of his neighbors, a liberty pole in place of 
the pole erected by his children — thither the soldiery resort- 
ed, where they attempted to compel a common laborer to cut 
down the "offensive wood," notwithstanding that he protested 
against doing so, at the same time, on most solemn asseverations, 



166 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

declaring he also was a federalist — Ich bin auch ein Federal- 
ihr liebe Leut ; das bin. — Ja ich auch ein Federal ! ! 

They succeeded in divesting the pole, and with it appended 
as a trophy, they rode, vociferating as they went, through the 
streets of JEleading, to their place of quarters. In a few days 
tliey left; but on the 24th of April, an array under the com- 
mand of Erigadier General W. McPherson, arrived at Reading, 
apprehending some of the insurrectionists, who were afterwards 
tried before Judge Peters, — some found guilty — some were 
fined and imprisoned — some were condemned to be capitally 
punished— but none atoned with their lives — they were pardon- 
ed through executive clemency I Their names are here with- 
held. 

" The borough is divided into four nearly equal parts, by the 
intersection of its principal streets — Penn and Fifth. This divi- 
sion is recognized in various borough arrangements, and is of 
much practical convenience. The houses are numbered from 
these streets. The boundaries of the wards are also marked 
by them. There are four wards, N. E. ward, the S. E. ward, 
the S. W. ward, and the N. W. ward." 

Reading is a flourishing town, containing rising of ten thou- 
sand inhabitants. It is beautifully situated on a "gentle de- 
clivity" or "sloping plain, between Penn's mountain and the 
eastern bank of the Schuylkill. The streets, most used, are 
regularly graded, and are covered with a hard white gravel, 
derived from the sand-stone of the mountain, east of the town, 
which forms a very compact, smooth, and durable roads, supe- 
rior to most paved or McAdamized roads." 

It is, comparatively speaking, a great place for trade. It pos- 
sesses superior advantages for manufacturing purposes ; and will 
no doubt, ere long, be a great manufacturing place. "It may," 
says Major William Stable, to whose labors we owe much of 
this article, "be safely predicted that within twenty-five years 
from this time, (1841,) that those fertile fields between the rail- 
road and the river, will all be converted into town, compactly 
built." 

This town was erected into a borough by an act of assembly 
in 1783 ; altered and repealed by an act of 1813, under which 
it elects a legislative town council and burgesses, whose duty 
it is to carry the ordinancy into effect. 

Formerly, and till within a few years, the Jahr Markts, or 




'riio rom-l House af Pieaclmp 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 167 

yearly markets, held on the 4th of June and 22d of October, 
as privileges granted by the proprietors in 1776, were always 
^Hhicldy"" attended — crowded by the boys and girls, fathers 
and mothers, from the country, for the purpose of hilarity, and 
•' to the reverse of morals." 

Reading contains the usual number of public buildings, court 
house, jail, state house, &c. The new court house, finished in 
1840, is superior to most others in the State. It stands on an 
elevated ground plot, and measures 120 feet in front, and is 
230 feet deep, inclosed with iron railing. The cost of it is 
$58,846 42. The jail was erected in 1770; it is a large stone 
building. The State House, as it is usually called, was erected 
in 1793. The market house is in the centre of Market square, 
in which provisions are sold on Wednesday and Saturday 
mornings. 

There are several churches in the borough of Reading. The 
first erected in Reading, it is supposed, was the Friends meet- 
ing house, erected in 1766. It is a one story log-house. The 
German Reformed erected a building in 1753. In 1761, the 
first building, which was of logs, was taken down and a stone 
one built ; this also was taken down, and the present one erect- 
ed in 1832; which is 75 leet in length, 55 in breadth, and has 
a steeple 151 feet high, r-.ul a chime of bells. Rev. John Cas- 
per Buchcr is the present pastor. In 1751, the Lutherans 
erected a building, which was torn down, and the present one 
erected in 1791. It is a very spacious building. It has a 
steeple 201 feet and 7 inches high. The Rev. Jacob Miller 
is the pastor. The Catholic church was erected in 1791. — 
The Presbyterian was erected in 1824. The present pastor. 
Rev. William Sterling, The Episcopal church was erected 
in 1826, pastor, Rev. R. V. Morgan. The Methodist church 
was erected in 1839. The Baptist church in 1837, and the 
Universalist in 1830. Besides these churches, there are three 
others belonging to the colored people — the Union African, the 
Presbyterian African and Methodist African. 

The Reading Academy is a two story brick building, 50 by 
60 feet, in which male and female schools are taught ; besides 
the academy, there is an adequate number of public school 
houses. There are a number of charitable, literary and other 
associations in Reading. See chap, on Education and the 
Press. 



168 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

There is also a Water Company, styled " The Reading Wa- 
ter Company." established prior to 1722; in that year the 
company first brought water into the borough. Since that 
time, their works have been greatly improved. The town 
is supplied with excellent spring waiter, led into a reservoir, 
near the head of Penn street, from whence it is carried through 
the various streets, by means of iron pipes."* 

That Reading is destined to become a great manufacturing 
place, cannot be questioned, if a retrospect of the past be an 
index of the future. 

Some idea of the ordinary business of Reading, may be gath- 
ered from the account of trades and pursuits, given in a pre- 
ceding chapter. But this Borough is, of late, assuming an im- 
portance fi'om its manufactures and public improvements, which 
demands for these a separate notice. 

No manufncturing was done in Reading previous to the year 
1836, except in the articles of boots and shoes, hats and stone 
ware. Since that period the Iron and Nail Works of Messrs. 
Keim, Whitaker & Co., the Iron & Brass Foundry of Messrs. 
Darhng, Taylor & Co., the Locomotive Engine Manufactory 
and Machine shop of D. H. Dotterer & Co., the Stationary 
Steam Engine and Rifle Barrel Manufactory of William G. 
Taylor, the Foundry of Adam Johnson, the Auger Manufac- 
tory of Messrs. Rankin & Philips, the Steam Saw Mill and 
Chopping Mill of Messrs. Ferry &. Frill, and three shops for 
manufiicturing Horse Power Threshing Machines, Corn Shel- 
lers. Patent Ploughs, Revolving Hay Rakes, Cultivators, &c., 
have been established. 

There are also three Flour Mills in the borough, including 
tlie steam mill lately put into operation by Davis & Co. The 
extensive flouring Mill occupied by Mr. George Smith, is a 
large brick building, four stories high. It has four pair of 
stones, and manufactures 8,000 barrels of flour a year. 

The following description of some of the principal Iron 
Works, have been obligingly furnished me. 

" The Reading Iron and JYail Works were erected and went 
into operation, June, 1838. They were built by Messrs. Ben- 
neville Keim, George M. Keira, Simon Seiflert, and James 
Whitaker, and are advantageously situated within a short dis- 
tance of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, and the 
* Stahle's Dis. Reading, p. 00. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBAJfOW COUNTIES. 169 

Schuylkill Navigation. A track or turn-out, made for us by the 
Railroad Company, connecting with one of the store houses, 
and a basin situated on the canal within twenty yards of the 
door of another store house, afford every desirable facility for a 
safe and rapid transition of our iron and nails to the market. 
The Reading Iron and Nail Works are now owned by Messrs. 
Benneville Keim, James Whitaker, Simon Seiffert, and John 
McMann, The articles manufactured at these works are, as 
the name imports, iron, and nails. That is, the pig iron is here 
converted into malleable iron and rolled into various sizes and 
shapes to suit the market. The crude metal or pig iron, for 
that purpose, is purchased exclusively in Pennsylvania, a laro-e 
quantity of which Berks county supplies. We use at the rate 
of four thousand tons per annum of this pig iron: this immense 
quantity of raw metal is, in that division of the work, called 
the Puddling Mill, converted into puddled iron, or No. 1 iron, 
by the process of puddling and rolling. 

For this purpose we have six large puddling furnaces, con- 
veniently placed near the rolls. This mill has a squeezer at- 
tached, for forming the ball or loops of iron coming from the 
furnaces, into a convenient shape for entering the large rolls. 
We puddle at the rate of twelve tons pig iron per day. This 
division of the mill is also fitted up for rolling sheet and boiler 
iron. The second division is that for roUing nail plates, band, 
and gas pipe iron, and the larger sizes of merchant bar iron. 
Here we have the reverberatory heating furnace; the flues of 
which are so constructed, that the superfluous heat is applied 
to the boilers of the steam engine. Some of the flues of the 
puddling furnaces are constructed in the same manner, thus 
economising on the consumption of coal. We roll in this mill 
at the rate of nine tons per day. The third division is the 
mill for making all kinds of small iron — round, square and flat, 
from a quarter of an inch to one inch, with their intermediate 
sizes. Another reverberating furnace is attached to this mill, 
and is used for beating the billets of iron, preparatory to 
rolling. Here we make ready for the market, at the rate of 
650 tons finished iron, per year. The rolhng mill is a heavy 
frame building, 130 by 166 feet. Immediately adjoining the 
rolling mill, and connected therewith, is the nail factory — a 
substantial and massive brick building, 75 by 50 feet, two' sto- 
ries high, having on its principal floor 33 machines, calculated 
15 



Vfd HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

for making all descriptions and sizes of nails, brads and spikes; 
The lower story contains the drums and belts that drive the 
machinery above, and also the grind stones. It is also a store 
house and will contain several thousand kegs of nails. The 
whole machinery of these works is driven by a steam engine of 
180 horse power, (this is not, however, its maximum power,) 
it is high pressure, and was built in 1835, by McClurg, Wade 
& Co., of Pittsburg. 

This establishment employs at the rate of 130 men and boys, 
per day, and consumes fuel at the rate of 7000 tons of Anthra- 
cite coal per year. This kind of coal is now used here exclu- 
sively. Our blasts for the various furnace is created by fans. 

Besides the principal buildings already mentioned, there are 
several others in the immediate vicinity, and belonging to the 
same concern, viz : a blacksmith shop with two fires ; a coop- 
er shop where from 8 to 10 coopers are constantly employed 
in miking nail kegs ; also a counting house, store houses for 
iron and nails, tool house, &c. &c. The cost of these works 
for building, was over one hundred thousand dollars. Referring 
again to the nail factory, we forgot to say that we make at 
the rate of eighteen hundred tons of nails per year. 

" The Locomotive and Steam Engine Manufactory, of D, 
H. Batterer & Co., is situated im.nediately on the Canal, and 
a short distance above the Lancaster Bridge. The machine 
shop is a brick building, 143 by 32 feet, one-half of which is 
3 stories high. The smith shop and engine house is 95 by 24 
feet, and one and a half stories high. The stationary engine 
of this establishment is of 15 horse power, and used for pro- 
pelling the machinery, and blowing cylinders for the foundry 
of iMjssrs. Darling, Taylor & Co. D. H. Dotterer & Co., 
have built, in the last year, 6 first class locomotive engines, and 
rebuilt 3. In the same time they have built 3 stationary en- 
gines, besides doing the work of a general machine shop. The 
buildings and machinery are sufficient to turn out 12 first class 
locr);n stives a year, along with the other work. This estab- 
lishment has been in successful operation about three years j 
and the average number of hands employed, is 30 journeymen 
and 16 apprentices. 

" A Ijoining the above establishment is the Iron and Brass 
Fo'cniry of Darling, Taylor & Co. The iron foundry is a 
brick building, 90 by 45 feet, and one story high, with a 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 171 

steeple and bell. Bellows and cupola house, 70 by 30 feet, 
part of which is two stones high. Connected with the foun- 
dry is an air furnace of the largest class ; building, 20 by 30 
feet, and a cupola of the largest class, the air for which is sup- 
plied by a pair of iron blowing cylinders, constructed upon the 
most improved plan. The above establishment is calculated to 
make castings of all dimensions — also, forge hammers, anvils, 
&c. The number of hands employed is 16. The brass foun- 
dry and smith shop, is 100 by 25 feet, one and a half stories 
high, of brick. The brass department is calculated to cast 
brasses of every description, and bells of all sizes, equal in point 
of tone, to any cast in the U. States. The other part of the 
building is occupied by two forge fires for the use of foundry 
and threshing machine shop, 50 by 30 feet, and 2 stories high; 
in which are built horse power and threshing machines of the 
most improved construction, and all kinds of agricultural im- 
plements. Number of hands employed — 5 journeymen; and 
have manufactured for sale, from 75 to 100 machines the past 
season. 

The above foundry has been in operation since 1835." 

The Reading Stationary Steam Engine Alanufactory of W. 
G. Taylor, is situated on Water, near Penn street. 

These works employ a large number of hands, and do a large 
and extensive business. They have constructed a great num 
ber of engines of various power, which have uniformly proved 
of excellent quality. Boilers for locomotive and other engines 
are made here ; and also mill gearing, lathes, drills, and a va- 
riety of other machinery. Connected with this establishment 
is a rifle barrel manufactory, which turns out over 3000 barrels 
annually. 

The new foundry of Mr. Adam Johnston, was put in opera- 
tion during the last year, and is situated at the corner of Chest- 
nut and Eighth streets.. The building is of brick, 25 by 59 
feet, and at present employs eight hands. The machine shop 
is 26 by 36 feet. From the experience of Mr. Johnston, in the 
business, and his well known skill as a practical moulder, 
there is little doubt that this new establishment will thrive and 
prosper in business, and prove a valuable acquisition to the 
borouo;h. 

The extent to w^hich manufactories have grown up in Read- 
ing within the last four or five years, and their success thus 



172 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

far, add confidence to the opinion, now pretty generally enter- 
tained, that this town possesses no ordinary advantages for 
manufacturing operations. As yet they are confined principally 
to some branch of the iron business ; but woollen and other 
factories will probably soon be established. The borough al- 
ready feels the benefits of this new interest, in the increase of 
population and business, which it has brought to the place. — 
Stahle's Des. of Reading. 

Population in 1810, 3,462; 1820,4,278; 1830,5,631 ; 1840, 
8,392— at present (1844) rising of 10,C00. In 1840 there 
were in Reading, horses 566; horned cattle 378; sheep 5; 
swine 1,115; bushels of wheat 3,872; rye 3,2S0; corn 3,472; 
oats 2,486; buckwheat 271; potatoes 1,043; tons of hay 465. 

Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable by 
law for county purposes for 1844, ^1,712,321; whole rmount 
of county tax on the same, at two mills on the dollar, $;3,424 64 
cts. State tax, $3,091 57 cts. 

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. — Stakle^s Bcs. of Readmg. 

" Old Berks was erected into a county, and Reading estab- 
lished as the county seat, in the year of grace, one thousand 
seven hundred and fifty-two. The first Lccd was recorded in 
the office, November the seventeenth, and the first Will No- 
vember the twenty-ninth of that year; and to complete the 
honors of the new county, a law suit was instituted about the 
same time. 

" Here follow some records of the doings of His Majesty, 
George the Third's Justices of the Peace. 

" Berks County. 

To one of ye Constables of Reading. 
Henry Christ Subpoena Philip Adam Klauser and Joseph 
Seal Sollenberger of ye township of Bern, so that 

they be and appear before me and Wm. Reeser, on ye first day 
of September next at one of the clock in ye afternoon, then and 
there to give evidence in a certain dispute now depending be- 
fore us and undetermined, between ye Lutheran and Reformed 
Congregations about Sanct. Michael's Church.— Hereof you 
are not to fail at your peril. Given under my hand and seal at 
Reading ye 27th day of August 1770. 

Henry Christ. 



HISTORY OF BE&KS AND LEBANON CODNTIES^ 173 

"Berks ss. 

y o Apprehend George Geisler, and bring him imme- 

diately before me, or the next Justice to ansr un- 
to such matters and things, as on his Majesty's behalf shall be 
objected against him by Catharine Reese; hereof fail not. — 
Given under my hand and seal, Deer ye 26th 1770. 

James Diemer. 

To Samuel Jackson, Constable. 

That is the true magisterial style, and I have no doubt that 
between the Justice and. Catharine Reese, poor George Geisler 
had a hard time of it. 

The followinjj documents are interestsnjj as illustrative of 
the tnncs. 

"Ann appraisement of the goods late the property of Wm. 
Kees taken in execution — by Samuel Jackson, Constable. 

One gunn, 15s £0 15s Od. 

One pair of Leather Breeches 15s. 16 



£1 


10 


Od 





12 








5 








2 






£1 10 0" 

But see how they stript Samuel Dehart of the comforts of 
life. 

"A list of the goods taken in execution from Samuel Dehart 
by the Constable, and appraised by us the subscribers as fol- 
lows. Amity August 24th 1770, to wit- 
One coat 30s. 
One Jacket and trowsers, 12s 
One rug-QT 5s 
One pillow 23 

£2 9 

I am not quite sure that Mr. Dehart would congratulate him- 
self that his body v/as left.'* 

" The oldest houses standing in the borough are, the house 
of Widow GraefF, No. 134 East Penn Street, formerly kept as 
a tavern; the house of Daniel GraefF, No. 133 East Penn 
Street; No. 158 in 8th st., between Penn and Washington, 
ajid the Spring Garden house." 

There are several newspapers printed in Reading ; when 
speaking of education and means of diffusing knowledge, they 
will be fully noticed. 

" The corner house, occupied by Keim & Stichler, was built 
15* 



174 HISTOEY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

in the year of 1755, by Conrad Weiser, the Indian interpreter 
and agent for Government, and was for reany years occupied 
as a Wiffwam, where raany tribes met for treaty." 

Christian Frederick Post, on a message frcm the Governor 
of Pennsylvania to the Indians in Ohio, in the month of Octo- 
ber, 1828, called at the house of Conrad Weiser, in Reading, 
the 27th of that month, as will appear frcm extracts of Post's 
Journal. 

" October 27, 1758, about seven o'clock in the morning, I 
came to Reading, and there found captain Bull, Mr. Hays, and 
the Indians just mounted, and ready to set out on their jour- 
ney ; they were heartily glad to see me ; Pisquetcmen stretch- 
ed out his arms, and said, — "Now, brother, I am glad I have 
got you in my arms, I will not let you go, I will not let you 
go again from me, you must go with me :" and I likewise said 
the same to I im, and told him, " I will accompany you, if you 
will go the same way as I must go." And then I called them 
together, in Mr. Weiser's house, and read a letter to them, 
which I had received from the Governor, which is as follows, 
viz : 

" To Pisquetomen and Thomas Hickman, to T( tiniontonna 
and Shickalany, and to Isaac Still. 

Brethren, Mr. Frederick Post is ccme express from the 
General, who sends his compliments to you, and desires you 
would come by the way of his camp, and give him an oppor- 
tunity of talking with you. 

By this string of Wampun I request you to alter your in- 
tended rout by way of Shamokin, and to go to the General, 
who will give you a kind reception. It is a nigher way, in 
which you will be better supplied with provisions, and travel 
with leas fatigue and more safety. 

William Denny, 

Easton Oct. 23, 1758." 

To which I added : " Brethren, I take you by this string, 
by the hand, and lift you from this place, and lead you along to 
the General." 

" After which they consulted among themselves, and soon 
resolved to go with me. We shook hands with each other, 
and Mr. Hays immediately set out with them ; after which, 
having with some difficulty piocured a fresh horse, in the 
King's service, I set off about noon, with Captain Bull, and 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES 175 

when we came to Conrad Weiser's plantation, we found Pis- 
quetoman lying on the ground very drunk, which obliged us to 
stay all night, the other Indians were gone eight miles farther 
on their journey." 



The following Biographical Memoir, copied from the United 
States Gazette, will, it is believed, be read with interest : 

BIOGRAPHY OF GOV. HIESTER. 

Circumstances put me in possession of many facts in relation 
to the life of the late GENERAL JOSEPH HIESTER, 
which induce a belief that their publication, more especially 
those which relate to his conduct in the war of independence, 
would be acceptable to a people who have in truth delighted to 
do him honor, while he remained amongst them. I think the 
facts cannot fail to imbue our population with the same sound 
principles and zealous feelings of patriotism, which at an early 
period, and throughout a long rnd unostentatious but useful 
and honorable life, animated the deceased. No man knows 
how soon the day may come, when his services may be required 
by his country, and he may be called upon to make sacrifices 
of feeling and interest to contribute his mite towards her free- 
dom and happiness. Our political horizon is not cloudless. — 
There are floating dark spots in the south, which, though now 
no larger than a man's shield, may, by the breath of faction, 
be blown together, and form a dark mass, which shall over- 
shadow the Union. In such times it behooves every citizen to 
examine the great questions which agitate the Union, and 
make up his mind to adopt that course of conckict which pa- 
triotism and honor shall make out. The early, manly, and dis- 
interested course of devotion to their country's welfare, which 
distinguished the lives of many of our citizer.s, will now well 
bear to be reviewed, not only to do honor to thtm and their 
memories, but to invite us to emulate their virtues. 

It was in the twenty-third or twenty-fourth year of his age, 
that General Joseph Hiester, fiist rallied under the standard of 
his country, and took up arras in defence of her independence. 
It was a gloomy period, at which many hearts, that had beat- 



176 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

en high, were sickened and sad in the bosoms of those who 
now had melancholy forebodings of the issue of the contest in 
which they had cheerfully embarked; at a time when the great, 
the good, the peerless Washington, had much cause to complain 
of the want of men and means to meet the enemies of his 
country. 

It was late in the year 1775, or early in 1776, that Joseph 
Hiester, then a vigorous, powerful, and influential young man,, 
called together, by beat of drum, his fellow townsmen ol Read- 
ing, Pennsylvania, to take into consideration the alaimirg state 
and gloomy prospects of their country Reading was then an 
inconsiderable town, with a small population. Having con- 
vened about twenty-five or thirty, he explained to thtm the 
necessity there was that they also should be up and doing in 
the cause of their common country. He stated that their be- 
loved General was then believed to be in a most ptrilous situa- 
tion in New Jersey; that his friends and fellows oluiers were 
but few, while his foes and the foes of America were thicken- 
ing and multiplying on every side. Having so far as in his 
power, embarked the sympathies and roused the patiiotism of 
his hearers, he expressed his anxious desire to raise a com- 
pany of volunteers, and march to the assistance of Washington. 
He was heard with attention and respect, and his proposition 
was kindly received. He then laid ^40 on the drum head and 
said, "I will give this sum, as a bounty, and the appointment 
of a sergeant, to the first man who will subscribe the articles 
of association to form a volunteer company, to march forthwith, 
and join the Commander-in-chief, and I also pledge myself, said 
he, to furnish the company with blankets and necessary funds 
for their equipment, and on the march." This premise he hon- 
orably and faithfully fulfilled. After our young Caj tiiih had 
thus acklressed his neighbois, they consulted together, and Ma- 
thias Babb stepped forward, fiora amongst thtm, signed the ar- 
ticles, and took the money fiom the drum head. This exam- 
ple, and further advancements of smaller sums of m.cr.ey, in- 
duced twenty men, on th;it evening, to subscribe to the arti- 
cles of association. , Notices and invitations were sent through 
the neighborhood ; other meetings were held, and in ten days 
from the first meeting. Captain Hiester had eighty men en- 
rolled. They were promptly organized and re. dy to march to 
join the Commander-in-chief. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 177 

This company and other troops were, at that time, enlisted 
and orcranized under the legish^ture or the executive council of 
Pennsylvania, I do not recollect which, for the purpose of form- 
ing a disposable force called the Flying Camp. The success 
which was consequent upon Capt. Hiester's efforts to raise a 
volunteer company, led to the determination to raise a battal- 
ion, or regiment. It was early ascertained, that the liberality 
and popularity of Captain Hiester, would secure him the high- 
est office in the troops, about to be raised. This state of pub- 
lic opinion could not be mistaken or misunderstood, and Cap- 
tain Hiester was generally regarded as the future commander 
of the troops about to be raised. At this point of time, Mr. 
Haller, also a citizen of Reading, called upon Mr. Hiester, 
and expressed strong desire to join the army, but on condition 
that he, Mr. Hiester, would relinquish in his, Mr. lialler's fa- 
vor, all claims to the command. 

Mr. Haller frankly admitted that he was not disposed to go, 
unless elected Colonel, and that he well knew he could not at- 
tain that rank in any other way, than through the resignation 
and good offices of Capt. Hiester. Mr. Hiester heard with 
patient attention, all that was argued and suggested by Mr. 
Haller, and in answer said : The office you seek must be the 
gift of our fellow soldiers, but I do assure you I am not anx- 
ious for command or distinction, further than they may enable 
me the more effectually to serve our country. I will willingly 
yield all claim, rather than that our country shall not have 
your services. The declaration thus made, was followed up 
by Capt. Hiester, who freely conversing with the troops, and 
declining to be a candidate for the office claimed, used his in- 
fluence in favor of Mr. Haller. The facility v.'ith which Capt. 
Hiester consented to the wishes of Mr. Haller, and a reliance 
upon the pure motives which had induced him thus to yield 
rank and precedence to another, was the cause of a new apph- 
cation of a similar nature. Mr. Edward Burd was desirous to 
obtain the rank of Major, yet was satisfied how hopeless would 
be any opposition he could make to the election of Capt. Hies- 
ter, whose promotion to that rank was the more anxiously de- 
sired by the men, from the public spirited and handsome man- 
ner in which he had declined the Colonelcy, and succeeded in- 
persuading the men to elect another. The feelings thus every 
where manifested, did not, however, deter Mr, Burd from at- 



178 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, 

tempting to attain the station which he ardently desired. He 
waited on Capt. Hiester, laid before him his wishes, stated his 
knowledge of public opinion, his belief that he could be of ad- 
vantage to the public service, and his anxiety that Capt. Hies- 
ter would forego his own promotion,, and assist him, Eurd, to 
the rank he sought. Capt. Hiester unhesitatingly assented to, 
the request of Mr. Eurd ; he addressed his fellow soldiers, as- 
sured them how s;itisfied he was to continue to serve as Cap- 
tain, and even declared a willingness to serve in the rank, if 
by such service he could better serve their ccrrmon country. — 
This address had the desired effect, the off cers were eltcted as 
he wished, and Capt. Hiester and his company, marched from 
Reading for New Jersey. 

On their arrival at EUzabethtown, they learned that Gener- 
al Washington hail moved with his forces to Long Island. — 
Lord Sterling had been sent into Jersey to expedite the march 
of the American troops. On communicating this information 
to the companies commanded by Captain Hiester and Captain 
Graul, Capt. Graul's men, and seme of Capt. Hiester's, declared 
their determination to march no further. They declared that 
they could not have been compelled to leave their native state, 
and that it . was unreasonable to expect that they should 
advance further. This was a critical and painful state of af- 
fairs. What was to be done; what could be done, to induce 
the men to go forward ? They were drawn up in a compact 
body, and Capt. Hiester addressed them in such ho.nest, suita- 
ble and impassioned language, that they warmed as he warm- 
ed, and they soon felt as he felt, and their hearts beat in unison 
with his. One who was present on that trying occasion, said 
to me, I w^ish to God, I could tell you what the captain said, 
and how the men looked and felt ; you have marched thus far 
said he, resolved to fight your country's foes, and defend your 
homes and families, and will you now prove cowards, and de- 
sert your country when your country most wants your help? 
I would be ashamed to return home with you ! I will go for- 
ward ; yes, if I go by myself. I Avill go and join Gen. Wash- 
ington as a volunteer, as a private; and if you will not go, I 
will go alone; but surely, said he, you will not turn your backs 
upon the enemy, and leave your country at their mercy. 1 
will try you once again — Fall in ! — Fall in to your ranks, men, 
and those who are ready to JQght for freedom and America>. 



filSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 175 

will, when the drum beats, and the word is given, march to 
join George Washington. The men fell in; they shouldered 
their muskets; the drums were beat, and on the word "march," 
the whole line, except three men, moved forward. Those three 
soon sprang into the ranks, three cheers were given, and they 
were forthwith on their march to Long Island. On their ar- 
rival at Long Island, they came frequently in hostile contact 
with the enemy ; some were killed and some were wounded ; al 
length the British army having concentrated, the American 
troops generally, were captured ; how very ill they were used, 
and how severely they, were treated, is of historical record, to 
the dishonor of the British name. Capt. Hiester, with many 
of the American officers, was confined for a long time on board 
the prison ship Jersey. The cruelties inflicted, and the suffer- 
ings and the privations of the prisoners, v/ill long be remem- 
bered and felt. From the prison ship, Capt. Hiester was taken 
and cast into prison in New York, where the scarcity of food 
and the general ill treatment of the Americans, was scarcely a 
remove better than they had experienced on board the Jersey. 
Capt. Hiester was attacked with a slow ftxer, and became so 
feeble and emaciated, that he was reduced to the painful neces- 
sity of passing up and down stairs on his hands and feet. Af- 
ter some months confinement, his exchange was effected, and 
he was liberated after having been plundered of his stores, 
money, and clothing. After his liberation he returned to Read- 
ing, where having recovered his strength, and made all nece»T 
sary arrangements, he again joined the array near Germantown. 
In a skirmish, with an advanced company of the enemy's horse, 
his head was slightly grazed by a bullet. He continued in the 
army till the close of the war, after which he returned to the 
bosom of his family. The popularity, deservedly acquired by 
Gen. Hiester, by his public spirit and devotion to his country 
during the revolutionary war, he never lost; in all the revolu- 
tions of party, his neighbors and those all around him, who had 
the best opportunities of knowing his private worth, and good 
qualities, continued firmly attached to him. 

He was, soon after the war, elected to tlie Legislature of 
Pennsylvania, whree he, for mmy years, honorably and faith- 
fully represented and served his constituents. He was elected 
with a host of good m^n, and of sound understandings to the 
convention, which, after the formation of the Federal ConstitB- 



ISO HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

■tion, were assembled to frame a Constitution for Pennsylvanicij, 
and they did frame the very excellent form of government 
under which we have so long prospered as a State, and lived 
happily as citizens of the Union. Under that constitution to 
which he was so zealously attached, he served many years in 
the General Assembly of Pennsylvania. He has frequently 
■been chosen a member of the College of Electors of President 
and Vice President of the United States. He was an Elector, 
at the time John Adams was chosen President, and Thos. Jef- 
ferson Vice President. He had the further honor of serving 
his country in the great Council of the Nation, for fourteen 
years, and after having declared a re-election to Congress, he 
acceded to the solicitation of his friends, became a candidate 
for the office of Governor, and was elected. It is a fact well 
known to the political and personal friends of Gen. Hiester, 
that he was reluctantly induced to become a candidate for the 
office of Governor, and that he yielded his consent upon the 
■express and well understood condition, that he would serve but 
one period. It is equally well known, that at the end of that 
period of service, he resolutely refused again to permit the use 
of his name, although urged by partisans and by many friends, 
solicited to be a candidate, at tlie expiration of the three years 
he had consented to serve as Governor. He returned to the 
bosom of his fiunily, still residing in the borough of Pleading, 
where, surrounded by friends and neighbors, by whom he war? 
greatly esteemed and respected, he lived happily, and descended 
to his grave full of years and honor. He died on the 10th of 
June, 1832, in the 80th year of his age. He was buried in 
the burial ground of the German Reformed Church of Reading, 
on the 13th of June; his remains were followed to tiie grave 
by a numerous concourse of mourning relations and fellow citi'- 
zens. The profound attendance of the military, and other 
demonstrations of respect and attachment, all of which werje 
promptly tendered, were respectfully declined, and his well 
attended but unostentatious funeral, was in perfect keeping with 
the truly republican simplicity which had marked the whole 
course of his long and useful life. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBAIfON OOWNTIES. 181 

Captain Jacob Yoder, was born in Reading, 1758 — a 
highly respectable and wealthy Farmer, of Spencer county, 
Kentucky. To him belongs the honor of having descended the 
Mississippi, in the first Flat Boat — and if no other powers than 
those of time, and wind, and storm, shall assail the tablet, of 
which an account is given below, which will preserve the fact 
recorded in deep indentations upon it, through a series of ages 
to come. 

The iron tablet was cast by Hanks & Niles, of Cincinnati, 
in 1834, and now marks the spot where remains the bones of 
Captain Yoder. It is one of the first of the kind ever execu- 
ted west of the Alleghenies. It has this inscription: 

JACOB YODER 
Was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, 

August 11th, 1785; i^ '', . T 
And was a Soldier in the Revolutionary Army 

In 1777 and 1778 ; 

He emigrated to the West in 1780, and in May 

1782, from Fort Redstone, on the 

Monongahela River, 

in the 

FIRST FLAT BOAT 

That ever descended the Mississippi, 

He landed at New Orleans, with a cargo of 

Produce. 

He died April 7, 1832, at his farm in Spencer 

County, Kentucky, and lies here 

Interred beneath this tablet. 

No one who has any pretensions to the possession of a soul, 
can contemplate this tablet without a variety o^ emotions. A 
brilliant series of associations enchain the mind of the gazer, 
as with a spell, to it — that the man who navigated the first 
flat boat that ever descended the Mississippi, should have lived 
to see a magnificent steamboat ploughing the same watery 
track — is a truth which affords a subject of admiration. When 
he launched his little bark on the Monongahela, what were his 
anticipations ? Such as time has proved ! No, he then thought 
of the wily savage, whose covert was a wide and untrodden 
wilderness. He proceeded on his precarious voyage. Instead 
16 



182 HISTORY OP BERKS AiiD LEBANON COUNTIESj 

of cheering aspects of busy cities, flourishing villages, and cul- 
tivated farmSj which now claim the voyager's attention, he sa-^ 
a range of hills, unshorn of their primeval widerness, whence 
the lugubrious howl of the wolf proceeded, the vast wilderness 
which the foot of the civilized man had not trodden, instinct, 
'tis true, ivith life; but it was the life of the forest derizeh, 
the trembling fawn, and the myriad songsters of the wild. He 
reached his destination, but his safety was a marvel to himself, 
and his dangers, in after recital, awakened up a fear stricken 
excitement in the minds of those who listened to his tale of 
perils "by field and flood." He lived to see the country 
change masters, the wilderness blossom as a rose, and human 
energy achieve a Conquest over a thousand obstacles. 

This is the greatest triumph that man has yet achieved. — 
History records no parallel. To the future generations of 
America, it will be what the fabulous age of the Titans was to 
the ancient Greeks. 



Colonel Thomas Hartley — the subject of this notice — 
was born in the vicinity of Reading, September 7th, 1748. — 
His parents sent him to the common, as well as to the schools 
of more advanced standing, in which he made more than ordi- 
nary proficiency — he left not a moment to pass without some 
improvements. At the age of eighteen he w ent to York, Penn- 
sylvania, where he entered upon a regular course of Purdy's 
jurisprudence, under the direction of Samuel Johnson, Esq. — 
So great was his proficiency, that before he had attained the 
age of twenty-one, he was admitted to practice at the bar. 

Never has any one risen higher, in the same time, in his pro- 
fessional business, than Thomas Hartley; this was mainly 
owing to his thorough knowledge of law, and in his intimate 
acquaintance of the English and German languages — both es- 
sential, in that day^ to succeed as a lawyer at that bar. Per- 
haps the great extent of his practice was also owing in part to 
the paucity, as to the number of lawyers — for young Hartley 
and the Honorable James Smith, were for some time, the only 
practicing attorneys — Mr. Johnson, his preceptor, was the 
prothonotary of the county, from 1764 to 1777, 

Hartley, unlike many of that day, though much engrossed 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 188 

with professional business, was the warm friend of his country 
— much of his time was devoted, both in the field and cabinet, 
lo his country's cause, As early as 1774, the citizens of York 
county elected him as a member of the provincial meeting of 
deputies, held at Philadelpliia, July 15, 1774. In 1775, h^ 
again attended a provincial convention, held at Philadelphisi, 
23d of January. 

The crisis was now arriving that was to try men's souls — 
the time was approaching when stern requisition demanded de- 
cision of character, The committee of safety for Pennsylva- 
nia, vtfho never recommended any that would falter in duty, re- 
commended among others, Mr. Hartley to Congress, for filecj 
officers to the sixth battalion, ordered to be raised in Pennsyl- 
vania. The merits of the respective gentlemen recommended, 
were inquired into by Congress; whereupon, January 10, 177G, 
the following persons were elected: — William Irwin, Esq., as 
Colonel; Thomas Hartley, as Lieutenant Colonel; and James 
Dunlap, Esq., as Major. But not many months passed before 
Lieut. Col. Hartley was promoted to the rank of Colonel. He 
was distinguished as a soldier — devoted three years to the ser- 
vice of his country, in that capacity. After thus faithfully 
serving, at the expiration of three years, on the 13th of July, 
1779, he respectfully addressed Congress, asking permission to 
resign his commission. The reasons set forth to Congress, 
were deemed sufficient to grant him his reasonable request — his 
resignation was accepted, and at the same time, it was resolved 
by that honorable body, that "they had a high sense of Colo- 
nel Hartley's merit and services." 

His fellow citizens were determined to have his services, if 
not in the field, at all events in the legislative hall; they ac- 
cordingly elected him in October, 1778, to represent the coun- 
ty of York in the General Assembly. , 

In 1783, he was was elected a member of the council of, 
censors, under the constitution of '76 — the first day of their 
meeting was the 10th of November, 1783. At the close of 
the year 1787, he was a member of the State convention which 
adopted the constitution of the United States. 

Having so faithfully represented the interests of his constitu- 
ents, and honorably discharged the duties of the several stations 
he held, his fellow citizens were determined on his further ser- 
viceSf and they accordingly elepted him as a meml^ei;, of Coja-^ 



184 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

gress. As a new order of things had now commenced, the 
public mind was engrossed alike with hope and fear. The ci- 
tizens of York county had taken a great interest in the estab- 
lishment of the new constitution, and as Colonel Hartley was 
the first person who was to go forth from among them, as a 
member of Congress, under that constitution, they determined 
in the warmth of their feelings, to show him every honor. — 
When he set out from York, on the 23d of February, 1789, on 
his way to the city of New York, where Congress was to set, 
he was accompanied to the Susquehanna by a great number of 
the inhabitants of the borough and its neighborhood, and was 
there received by a company from that part of the county, and 
from Lancaster. The citizens then partook of a dinner, and 
the whole was one splendid celebration. When on the way of 
his return, he arrived at Wright's Ferry on the 6th of Octo- 
ber, he was met at that place by a number of gentlemen from 
the borough of York, and was from there conducted to his 
house, in town, amidst the acclamations of his friends and fel- 
low citizens." 

He was for many years a member of Congress. He was the 
first gentleman from the State of Pennsylvania, that was ad- 
mitted a counsellor in the Supreme Court of the United States, 
He closed his eventful life on the morning of the 21st of De- 
cember, 1800, aged 52 years, 3 months, and 14 days. His 
remains rest in the burial ground of the Church of St. John's, 
York, Pennsylvania. 

/ »\ EXETER TOWNSHIP. 

Exeter township was settled prior to 1720, and numbered, 
fifteen or twenty yeiiTS afterwards, rising of three hundred of a 
population. In 1«©41, the number of taxables was seventy-six ; 
and a few years after the organization of Eerks county, the 
following were taxables in Exeter township, as then bounded: 

Adam Wink, Michael Zeister, Paul Durst, Isaac Levan, 
Leonard Lebo, Jacob Scherer, Adam Garrett, Henry Lees, 
Frederick Kunkle, Conrad Kehler, Henry Boyer, Henry Al- 
der, Moses Ellis, Abraham Levan, Jacob Lanciscus, Freder- 
ick Christian, George Engle, Nicholas Herner, John Aurand, 
Francis Rutter, Martin Allstat, Christian Weeks, George Hin- 
ton, Samuel Hughes, JEdward Hughes, Jonathan Price, Robert 



HISTORY OF BERKS AlfD LEBANON COUNTIES. 185 

Dickey, William Boone, Henry Hernor, Morris Ellis, John 
Webb, William Russel, James Boone, Peter Schneider, Ru- 
dolph Hegler, George Messersraith, Adam Young, Martin 
Waltz, George Gerich, Valentine Messersraith, Jacob Weiler, 
Christian Boyer, Jacob Boechtel, Peter Boechtel, James 
Thompson, Peter Rein, Jacob Rawn, Wm. Maugridge, Philip 
Near, John Boyer, Henry Thompson, Jacob Boyer, Daniel 
Conrad, Robert Patterson, William Kirby, Peter Kirby, Geo. 
Hart, Peter Smith, Mordecai Lincoln, Jacob Huget, Benjamin 
Parks, Ulrich Mahn, Peter Huet, Francis Wallich, Mathias 
Detert, Frederick Kchler, Michael Lodvvick, Benjamin Boone, 
Leonard High, Joseph Boone, John Hugh, John Wainwright, 
Jacob Yoder, John Zug, Yost Sees, Henry Shleigh, Christian 
Boyer, Peter Noll, Stephen Kreitscher, Mathias I'eeder, John 
Boone, James Thompson, Philip Saddler, Peter Alstat, Heze- 
kiah Boone, John Conrad, Jacob Dibler, Frederick Herner, 
Wm Patterson, Frederick Wallick, Peter Fisher, John Boech- 
tel, AbraliamLincoln, George Ritter John Frelhveiler. 

Exeter township is bounded north-east by Oley township; 
on the east by Amity ; on the vsouth by the Schuylkill river, 
which divides it from Robeson and Cumru ; and on the north- 
v/est by Alsace. Greatest length, four miles and a half, and 
breadth the same; the surface generally undulative, except in 
the north-western part, which is hilly; soil a reddish shale and 
gravel ; naturally not productive, but in many places it has been 
rendered, by the husbandman's care, very productive. The 
western boundary is strongly marked by Mount Never Sink 
and other prominent hills. 

Roush creek, which enters this township on the north-west, 
passing through it in a southern course, v^'ending its way to the 
Schuylkill and the Manokesy, which crosses the north-east cor- 
ner of the township, affords water power to several grist mills, 
saw mills, an oil mill, a fulling mill, and a forge. 

The Perkiomin and Reading turnpike pass through it for a 
distance of five or six miles. Exeter, a small village, is on the 
turnpike, eight miles from Reading. It contains not more than 
eight or ten houses, a tavern and a store. 

There is a school held in common by the German Reformed 
and Lutherans, near the centre of the township. 

Population in 1810, 1,194; 1820, 1,41G; 1830, 1,455; 1840, 
1,911. Hci-£es321; horned cattle 770; sheep 691; swine 

16* 



186 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

1,118; bushels of wheat 11,670; rye 12,367; corn 18,564; 
oats 23,802; buckwheat 304; potatoes 5,089 ; tons of hay 
1,686; pounds of wool 1,274; flax 1,284. 

Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable by 
law, for county purposes, $614,092 ; county tax ^1,228 IS : 
State tax S06,10. 

GREENWICH TOWNSHIP. 

Greenwich township was formed about 1852, out of part of 
Allemangel, which had been settled prior to 183G. It was 
originally nearly wholly settled by Germans, among whom 
were a few of the descendants of French Huguenots. During 
the French and Indian war, from 1754 to 1760, the inhabitants, 
in common with all the frontier settlers of Berks, were occa- 
sionally alarmed by their cruel enemies. 

In March, 1755, the Indians burned the house of Barnabas 
Seitel, who lived on the borders of the township, and the mill 
of Peter Conrad; killed the wife of Balsar Neytong, and made 
captive his son, a lad of eight years of age. They fired five 
times upon David Howell, and the last time shot him through 
the arm. 

The settlers were also alarmed by the news of murders com- 
mitted in the township, immediately north; namely, in Albany 
township, when they heard of the horrid massacre of Jacob 
Gcrhart's family, and others. These were trying times. 

In 1756, the following taxables resided within this township, 
as it was then Umited : 

George Herring, Adam Smith, Adam Baner, Andrew 
Onengst, Adam Boose, Adam Zolman, Charles Balmer, Chris- 
topher Rein, Christian Ungerer, Frederick Kremer, Frederick 
Hene, Frederick Shallenberger, Dietrich Mayer, Dietrich Leiby, 
Godfried Stern, Gabriel Eisenberger, George Kosser, Gottfried 
Kremer, George Ley, George Miller, George Breiner, George 
Wilhelm Riegel, Gerhart Schallenberger, George Slaus, Geo. 
Kremer, George Kemp, George Herring, George Bauman, 
George Ussinger, Henry Ballender, Henry Mayer, Henry 
Berke, Henry Krall, Henry Eschbach, Hantorns Kiel, Jacobus 
Diehl, Jacob Liebe, John Schwedner, John Sassamanhaus, John 
Raush, John Dunkle, John Wary, Jacob Hetrick, John Collon, 
Jacob Zettelmayer, Jacob Gronable, Jacob Leydick, Lorentz 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 187 

Biever, Leonard Bauman, Mathias Reamer, Melchior Biel, 
Michael Crans, Michael Mauser, Michael Lesher, Matthias 
KefFer, Mathias Ley, Martin Hetinger, Michael Leiby, Mi- 
chael Gottschall, Nicholas Stein, Philip Lenhart, Peter Len- 
hard, Peter Plerdinger, Philip Kallbach, Peter Dell, Philip 
Mayer, Peter Buns, Peter Steuerwald, Peter Hauck, Rudolph 
Bussart, Rudolph Zimracr, Simon Dierick, Simon Essenberg, 
Urbanus Frieferly, Ludwig Beckel, Nicholas Essenberg, Geo. 
Spang, Abraham Kles, Jacob Hoffman, Hans Christian Baum, 
Nicholas De Hoop, .lohn Riebsaaraen, jMartin Onangst, Jacob 
Mack, George Krubach, Daniel Manensmith, Michael Smith, 
John Manser, Andrew Seitle, Henry Smith, Adam Faust, 
Henry Faust, Jacob Lantzard, Henry Shullenberger, Peter 
Dempkle, Christian Manensmith. 

Greenwich is bound north by Albany township, north-east 
by Lehigh county, south-east by Maxtawny township, south 
by Richmond, and west by Windsor; mean length six miles 
nnd a half, and mean breadth four and a half; contains nearly 
fourteen thousand acres of land, generally hilly ; and the soil, 
gravel, of an ordinary quality. Round-top hill, or Peaked 
mountain, on the northern boundary of the township, presents 
a prominent feature, and gives a similar character to the aspect 
of the surface in its vicinity. 

The Maiden creek, which passes through the north-western 
part of the township, affords water power, as do several other 
streams in the township; among these is Lacony creek, a branch 
of Maiden creek, which flows in a serpentine course of five 
miles along the southern boundary, receiving, as it progresses, 
Mill creek, and several smaller rivulets. There are six grist 
mills, five saw mills, four tanneries, one forge, an oil mill and a 
pottery, in the township. 

There are two small towns, Klinesville, seven miles from 
Hamburg, on the State road, leading from Hamburg to Allen- 
town; Grimsville, on the same road, ten miles from Hamburg 
— three stores, and seven taverns. In 1840, the following Re- 
volutionary pensioners lived in this township:— Andreas Camp, 
George Hind ay, and Peter Steger. 

Population in 1830, 1,407; 1840, 1,629. Horses 200; 
horned cattle 572; sheep 459; swine 644; bushels of wheat 
2,275; rye 6,030; corn 5,621; oats 6,465, buckwheat 2,575; 
potatoes 5,621 ; tons of hay 601 ; pounds of wool 597; flax 350. 



138 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES^ 

Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable by- 
law for county purposes $467,975 ; county tax $935 95 ; State- 
tax $581 59. 

HEIDELBERG TOWNSHIP. 

Heidelb?,rg township was so called by the first settlers, after 
the capitol of the country whence many of them had emigrated 
ta America. It was named after Hiedelberg, a city of south 
Germany, in the duchy of Eaden, and the seat of a town and 
district bailiwick, at the foot of the Kaiserstuhl, on the Neckar,. 
about twelve miles above its confluence with the Rhine, at 
Manheim. 

When settlements were commenced by the Germans, (of 
whose coming and settling a detailed account W'ill be given 
below,) they scattered themselves in the midst of the Indians, 
who complained much to government, of the "foreigners," that 
their corn had been destroyed by those people's creatures. — 
Sassoonan or Allummapees, at a council held at Philadelphia, 
in the Great meeting house, June 5, 1728, complained bitterly 
of the intrusions by the Germans at Tulpahoca, (Hiedelberg.) 
in addressing secretary Logan, he said : " He was grown old, 
and was troubled to see the christians settle on lands that the 
Indians had never been paid for — they had settled on his lands, 
for which he had never received any thing. That he is now 
an old man, and must soon die, that his children may wonder 
to see all their father's lands gone from them, without his re- 
ceiving any thing for them, that the christians now make their 
settlements very near them, and they shall have no place of 
their own left to live on. — Col. Rec. iii. p. 338. 

A few years after this complaint by Sassoonan, Thomas 
Penn purchased the Tulpehocken lands, now forming Eerks 
and Lebaiion counties. At the time of Penn's purchase, 1732, 
and ten or fifteen years later, the tawny sons of Tulpahoca had 
a cluster of Indian villages, north of the present site of Wom- 
laelsdorf. under the Ivittatiny or Blue Mountain. 

In a preceding chapter,* it has been stated, that some Ger- 
mans had settled in Tulpehocken, the greater part of which 
lay within the bounds of Heidelberg township, when Eerks 
county was organized. As it may be interesting to the general ' 

* Chapter vi . p. 98. 99. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 189 

reader, and especially to the numerous descendants of the first 
settlers of this portion of the county, a brief account will be 
given of their emigration to Pennsylvania. 

About the years 1707, '8, '9, thousands of Germans were 
oppressed by Romish intolerance, many of whom, to the num- 
ber of three thousand or more, on a proclamation of Queen 
Ann, of England, 1708, went from the Palatinate to Holland, 
and were thence transported to England. They encamped 
near London. About this time, the colonists of Kew York, 
looked to the mother country for aid to repel the incursions of 
the French. In 1710, Cols. Nicholas and Schuyler, accompa- 
nied by five Sachems, or Indian chiefs, had retm-ned from 
America to England, to solicit additional forces against Canada.* 
While at London, the chiefs in their walks in the outskirts of 
London, saw the unenviable condition of the houseless and 
homeless Germans ; though Indians, they were moved by hu- 
man woe and suffering, coramisserated their destitute condition, 
and no doubt, being informed of the yearnings of the Germans' 
aching hearts for a country free from persecution, one of theai, 
unsolicited and voluntarily, presented the Queen a tract of his 
land, in Schoharie, New York, for the use and benefit of the 
distressed Germans.f 

About this time. Colonel Robert Hunter, having received the 
appointment of Governor, for New York, and sailing for Amer- 
ica, brought with him not less than three thousand of these 
Germans, or Palatines, to the town of Nevv' York, where they 
encamped several months; and in the autumn of 1710, many of 
whom were removed at the expense of Queen Ann, to Living- 
ston district; others settled in the city of New York, some in 
Germantown, others elsewhere, 

Those who were removed to Livingston's District, or Manor, 
were required, in order to repay freightage from Holland to 
England, thence to New York, to raise hemp, and manufac- 
ture tar. I In this business they did not succeed ; however, 
they were released in 1713, from all claims upon them for 
freightage across the Atlantic. 

One hundred and fifty of the families, w^illing to avail them- 
selves of their present from the Indians, made to Queen Ann,. 

♦ His. N. Y., p. 39.— Holmes Annals i. 501. 
r Hallische Nachrichten, 973—981. 
j Hal. Nach. 974. 



190 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES.. 

for their use, moved in the spring of 1714, through a denjse 
forest to Schoharie, west of Albany, and seated themselves, 
among their Magna or Mohawk neighbors and friends, the In- 
dians. On their arrival, they were wholly destitute, both of 
food, and the implements of husbandry. Their sufferings, for 
some time, were very great. Their neighbors, the Indians, 
had not laid up any provisions for themselves; and of course 
had none to spare, to supply the wants of their white brethren 
— depending entirely upon Nature's store-house — believing that 
their hands were not made to perform manual labor, other than 
hunting and fishing. 

The Palatines, in this new home, made many a meal upon 
ground-nuts and wild potatoes. The former, the Indians called 
otachraquara, and the latter ochnanada. The nearest place 
where flour or meal could be procured, was at a distance of 
fifty miles from the new settlement; and these they had to 
purchase on credit, which was not readily obtained — unenviable 
condition. 

In Schoharie'lj having only permission from the Indians,, the 
Germans commenced, under all these discouraging circum- 
stances, improving lands, and building houses. In a few years, 
and after persevering efforts, they succeeded in improving 
several settlements; for they had settled in hamlets, (Doerfer,) 
or lodges, of these there were seven, namely : Kneskern's Ger- 
lack'sdorff, Fuchsendorff, Hans George Schmit'sdorff, Weiser's 
or BrunnendorfF, Hartman'sdorfF, and Ober-Weiser'sdorff. — 
They seemed now to prosper ; having in a great degree over- 
come nearly all obstacles, which so readily presented, and still 
present themselves, in commencing settlements in a remote for- 
est country. Having, however, neglected to comply with the 
formalities of the law of New York, and improving lands with- 
out the full consent of Government, the titles to their lands 
were defective, and as a consequence, they were involved in 
new difficulties. After much vexation, and many fruitless ef- 
forts to secure to themselves, what was intended for them by 
the Indian present to Queen Ann; some having heard of un- 
occupied lands in Swatara and Tulpehocken, in Pennsylvania, 
united, and left Schoharie, wended their faces in a south-wes- 
tern direction, and travelled through the forest, till they reached 
the Susquehanna river, where they made canoes, freighted them, 
with their familiesj and some household goods, floated dowRi 



SIISTOrV of berks and LEBANON COUNTIES. lOl 

the river to the mouth of the Swatara creek, thence they 
worked their way up, till they reached a fertile spot on Tulpe- 
hocken creek, where they settled amidst the Indians, in the 
spring of 1723. Their cattle they drove by land.* Here they 
commenced the world anew, with some disorder. Weiser, who 
joined them afterwards, and knew them well, says : — " Es war 
niemand unter dem Volk der es regieren konnte; ein jeder that 
was or wollte ; and ihr starker Eigensinn hat ihnen bis auf 
diese Stunde (174-5) in Wege gestanden," There was none 
among the people who could govern them; every one did as he 
pleased ; their obstinacy, to this day, (1745,) has been much 
against them. There were thirty-three families of them at 
Tulpehocken in 1728. The names of some of them are still 
preserved in the Provincial Records. There are given below 
as then spelled : Johannes Yans, Peter Ritt, Conrad Schitz, 
Paltus Unfs, Toritine Serbo, Josep Sab, Jorge Ritt, Gotfrey 
Filler, Joannes Claes Shaver, Jo Hameler Ritt, Johan Peter 
Pacht, Jocham Michael Cricht, Sebastian Pisas, Andrew Fal- 
born.f 

These expected in 1728, fifty families more, " who, if they 
might be admitted on certain conditions," would come and set- 
tle among them at Tulpehocken. In 1729, there was an im- 
portant accession. Among these were the IJoehns, Fischers, 
Lauers, Anspachs, Badtorfs Spickers, Grists, • Cadermans, No- 
acres, Lebenguths, Conrad Weiser and his sons — the latter set- 
tled near Woramelsdorf, of whom more will be said in the 
sequel. J 

In 1756, the following were assessed and returned as taxa- 
bles of Heidelberg township, many of v;hose descendants are 
still the owners of the lands first possessed by the first settlers. 
Heidelberg then embraced upper and lower Heidelberg, having 
since 1830, been divided. 

Philip Weiser, Frederick Weiser, Andrew Boyer, John Oorth, 

John Boyer, jr., John Eckert, Michael Schauer, Henry Fitler, 

George Deer, Leonard Groh, Nicholas Ried, Jacob Klein, John 

Zerbe, Peter Hofiraan, George Lauch, Henry Shuger, Henry 

.^Qfuber, Adam Schauer, Casper Hoehn, Joseph Felsmayer, Ga- 

* Conrad Weiser's German MSS. Journal, 
t Col. Rec. iii. p. 342, and preceedihg pages 97-99. 

X Heidelberg twp. is noted for having been the place of the Heidelberg 
meeting in 1829, in opposition to Sunday Schools, &c. See Appendix, A. 



192 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

briei Radgee, Antonie Faust, Adam Spohn, Thomas Joiiesv 
Lodowick Deer, Eliezar Evans, Michael Malle, Peter Betz^ 
Wilhehn Fuser^ Peter Eberle, Dieterich Marschall, Frederiek 
Koble, John Eoble, Peter Bricker, Christian Daube, Sebastian 
Obakl, Jacob Boyer, Conrad Scharlf, Peter Knop, Ullerich 
Michel, Valentine Frei, Henry Staer, Michael Lauer, Tobias 
Bickel, Conrad Ernst, Martin Barteberger, Michael Kaiser/ 
Joseph Hetterich, Peter Riedi, Conrad Finck, Lorentz Storck, 
(Strong,) Michael Miller, Melchior Knauer, Dietrich Scholl, 
Jacob Kreiter, Henry Deckert, John Doutrick, Simon Bimoch, 
Adam Hoehn, Frederick Gerhartj John Kohler, John Disler, 
Henry Boyer, Nicholas Bechtel, Paul Engle, Lazarus Weng- 
ert, Peter Fege, Christian Hoehn, George Hoehn, Frederick 
Hoehn, Peter Newman, Adam Brown, W. Mauntz, Jacob 
Sensebach, Samuel Nickel, Jacob Cull, Andrew Gross, Francis 
Bosraan, Henry Spohn, Michael Busch, John Klinger, Nicho- 
las SchaefFer, Christian Miller, Peter Warner, Conrad Smith, 
Christian Freimeierj Christian Frantz, Christian Paffenberger, 
Frederick Stump, Johji Bayer, jr., Mathias Jacobi, Ulrich 
Brunner, Adam Boniwitz, Baltzer Wenrich, John Planck, Ja- 
cob Orths, William Jones, John Riegel, Henry Martin, George 
Boeshor, John Strohschneider, Charles Bomberger, George 
Newman, John Mayer, Jacob Spatz, Martin Linck, Ludwig 
Held, John Dieter, John Rose, Nicholas Glatt, John Fischer, 
Casper Scheffer, Abraham liessler, Mathias Schallhorn, Mi- 
chael Overhouse, MichaeLKessler, Henry Prince, Joseph Fuchs, 
Ulrich Rickert, George Hetterick, Michael Kurtz, Christian 
Michel, Leonard Schnell, Christopher Mohr, Dieteiich Stein- 
brecher, Peter Haas, Christopher Witmer, Henry Hetterick, 
Michael Borger, George Michael Hehl, John Shuger, Henry 
Seitel, Martin Long, George Brindel, Jacob Slauch, Jacob Fis- 
cher, Christian Everhart, Michael Scheffer, Peter Bolender, 
John Heckert, Nicholas Schweigart, George Aumillerj Abra- 
ham Stover, Antonie Crandeberger, Jacob Schv^^ob, Peter Rie- 
gel, Henry Dock, Peter Schoenfelter, John Walter, Philip 
Zerbe, Joiacham Schmit, Rudolph Schmaltz, Peter Foltz, Da- 
Miller, Henry Geiwerd, George Rabb, Frederick Schwartz, 
Jacob Minig, Henry Christ, ' Baltzer Koenig^ John Hartman, 
Peter Fischer, Wilham Allen, Peter Werle, Michael Schnei- 
der, Adam Potteiger, Martin Armheld, John Servey, Andrevr 
Ruhl, Christian Plank, Charles Plank, Samuel Boyer, Adam 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 193 

^ruber, John Lesch, Henry Sohl, Thomas Jones, Christopher 
Lerch, Mathias Miller, Jacob Erntt, Casper Conrade, John 
Zerbe, Henry Minig, Peter Smith, George Manntz, Nicholas 
Yung, Philip Baner, Henry Weaver, Henry Seidcl, Henry 
Decker t. 

From the following communication, addressed by George 
Washington to Gen. Wayne, it appears he had been in this 
township in the fall of 1777 : 

Sept. 17, 1777. 
Reading Furnace, 6 o'clock P. M. 

Dear Sir: — I have this instant received yours of half past 
o o'clock, A. M. Having written to you already to move 
forward upon the enemy, I have but little to add. Generals 
Maxwell and Porter, are ordered to do the same, being at 
Pott's Forge. I could wish you and those Generals to act in 
conjunction, to make your advance more formidable, but I 
would not have too much time delayed on this account. I 
shall follow as speedily as possible with jaded men — some may 
probably go off immediately, if I find they are in a condition 
for it. The horses are almost all out upon patrol. Cartridges 
have been ordered for you. Give me the earliest information 
of every thing interesting, and of your moves, that I may gov- 
ern mine by them. The cutting off the enemy's baggage 
would be a great matter. 

Yours, sincerely, 
Geo. Washington. 

Gen. A. Wayne. 

Heidelberg township is bounded on the north by upper Tul- 
pehocken township; north-east by Penn, a recently organized 
township; south-east by lower Heidelberg; south-west by Lan- 
caster county, and west by Marion township — about being 
formed out of part of Heidelberg and lower Tulpehocken; con- 
tains between eighteen and nineteen thousand acres of good 
land, much of it level; more than one half of it limestone soil, 
the other gravel, and when tilled, highly productive. 

It is well watered by the Tulpehocken, and its tributary 
streams has ample water power. There are in it one fur- 
nace, two fulling mills, two woollen factories, four grist mills, 
thi-ee saw mills, one paper mill, and four or five churches. 
17 



194 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON GGURTIES. 

The Reading and Harrisburg turnpike passes through it.~= 
The Wommelsdorf is on this pike, fourteen miles from Reading, 
This town, originiilly called Middlefeown, was laid out by John 
Wommelsdorif, in 1762. The first house erected here was the 
one now occupied by Michael Seltzer, whose grandfather, Ja- 
cob Seltzer, erected it in 1761, '62 The town contains 125 
bouses ; population 900 ; 3 stores and 3 taverns ; a Lutheran 
and German Reformed church, a New Presbyterian, and also 
one osvned by the Evangelical Association; three or four 
schools, and an Academy, built in 1834. Rev. Morse is prin- 
cipal. 

General Washington staid all night at Wommelsdorf, the 
13th November, 1793, as appears from the following : 

Wommelsdorf, den 14 ten Nov. 1793. 

Gestern Abends hatten die Einwohner dieser Stadt das Verg- 
nuegen den Presidenten, George Washington, der Vereinigten 
Staaten von America zu bewirthen, und ihm bey dieser, Geleg- 
enheit folgende Addresse zu ueberreichen : 

Ihro Excellentz ! 

Moechten sie unsere aus Dankbarkeit und Gehorsam entste- 
hende Freudensbezeugungen, in diesem gluecklichen Augen- 
blick da wir die persoenliche Gegenwart von Ihro Excellentz 
geniessen, in Dero angebornen und gewohnhchen Guete an- 
zunehnmen belieben. 

Die kluge und mit gluecklichem Erfolg gekroente Thaten, 
die Sie unter dem Schutz des Allerhoechten Wesens in dem 
letzten glorreichen Krieg ausgefuehret haben, dan Glueck und 
Zufriedenheit das wir unter Dero Regierung seithin in Fried- 
enszeit geniessen, und des letzhin sowohl ueberlegte zura rech- 
ten Zeitpunct anempfohlne Neutralitaete-System, ermuntert 
alle Menschen aufs Neue zur Hochachtung und Liebe gegen 
sie. 

Die Einwohner dieser Gegend werden niemals unterlassen. 
langes Leben und Gesundheit von Gott fuer sie zu erbeten. 

To which Washington sent the following very appropriate 
reply : 

Die Aufmerksamkeit die sie mir erzeigen, und der Beifali 
von meinen Bemuehungen, giebt mir das groeste Vergnuegen. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES 195 

A company of volunteers assembled, and amidst repeated 
firing of guns, near the door of the house in which le lodged, 
exclaimed : — Lang lebe George Washington ! Lang lebe George 
Washington I ! 

Newraanstown, on the road from Wommelsdorf, on the boun- 
dary line between Lebanon and Berks county, was laid out by 
Walter Newman, 1762. The proprietors was known for many 
years as " Der Irische.'^ The names of the original lot hold- 
ers are still preserved; they are as follows: — Fage, Lasch, 
Kapp, Gartner, Keenzer, Zeller, Nail, Strickler, Eisenmenger, 
Manerer, Reed, Brown, Schenkel, Jacobs, Knauer, Moor, 
Stoop, Shup, Minig, Schall, Ensminger, Spatz, Ilildebeitel, 
Brenner. 

It contains 54 houses; two stores and two taverns; a church, 
common to Lutherans and German Reformed. Population 455. 
The present proprietors are Peter and Jacob Schoch, to whom 
eight shillings, per annum, are paid per lot, by the holders. 

Population of the township before it was divided: in 1830, 
4,101; 1840,2,827.* Horses 1,107; horned cattle 3,312; 
sheep 1,713; swine 3,448; bushels of wheat 56,189; potatoes 
15,825; tons of hay 4,120; pounds of wool 3,057. Whole 
amount of valuation, made taxable for county purposes, in 1844, 
$761,308; county tax f^l,522 60; State tax $921 66. 



CONRAD WEISER.f 

Conrad Weiser, w^hose name is intimately associated with 
the early history of his adopted country, both as a private in- 
dividual, and as a useful citizen in a public capacity, was born 
at Herrenberg, in Wittemberg, Germany, November 2d, 1696. 
His father's name was John Conrad Weiser. 

Conrad was kept at school till he had mastered the rudi- 
ments of the German language, and had been instructed in the 
elements of the christian religion, according to Martin Luther's 
catechism. At the age of twelve, he was, by death, deprived 
of a pious and affectionate mother of sixteen children. She 

* Since IS 10, Heidelberg has been divided into upper and lower. 

t Conrad Weiser was the grand-father, on the maternal side, of Docxoji 
Muhlenberg, of Lancaster, and of the Rev. and Hon. Hfnry A. Muhlen- 
SKKO, lately Minister to Austria, and now residing at Reading, Pa. 



196 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

died May 1st, 1709. Conrad, in his private journal, speaking 
of his mother, says: — "Sie war eine Gottesfuerchtige, und bey 
ihren Nachbarn sehr geliebte Frau. Ihr Wahlspruch war': 
Jesus, dir lebe ich, dir sterbe ich; dein bin ich todt und leben- 
dig." 

Shortly after the death of Mrs. Weiser, the father, with 
eight of his children, in company with several others of his 
countrymen, left Germany for England, where they arrived at 
London, June 34, 1709 ; and there they were maintained at the 
expense of Queen Ann, npon whose invitation they had gone 
thither, till tow^ards the close of December, when about four 
thousand of them embarked for America, where they arrived, 
at the town of New York, the 18th of June 1710. 

Conrad, the subject of tliis notice, and seven brothers and 
three sisters, accompanied their father. Conrad's oldest sister, 
Catharine, having married Conrad Boos, remained at the old 
homestead. " Mein Vatter," says Conrad, " lies ihnen sein 
Haus Aecker, Wiessen, Wein-Garten, u. s. u. fuer 675 Gul- 
den." 

In the autumn of 1710, John Conrad Weiser, with several 
of his children, among whom was Conrad, and several hundred 
German families, were transferred, at Queen Ann's expense, to 
Livingston district, w^here many of them remained till 1713. — 
Two younger brothers of Conrad Weiser, namely, George 
Frederick and Christoplier Frederick, were shortly, on their 
arrival at New York, by the consent of their sick father, boimd 
out, or apprenticed by the Governor of New York, to a gen- 
tleman on Long Island. 

In Livingston district, under the direction of commissioners 
Johan Cast, Henry Mayer, and Richard Seakott, appointed by 
Governor Hunter, it was allotted to these Germans to manu- 
facture tar, and raise hemp, to repay freightage from Holland 
to England, and thence to New York. This business proved 
unsuccessful; they were, however, released in 1713, of all 
freightage upon them. Shortly afterwards, the Germans were 
dispersed through the province of New York — many remained 
in this district, and about one hundred and fifty families resolved 
to move to Schoharie, forty miles west of Albany. Previous 
to their removing, they sent deputies thither to consult with 
the Indians, touching their locating at that place; for one of 
the Chiefs, when in England a few years previous, at the time 



HISTORY OF /BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 197 

these Germans wer^i there, made Queen Ann a present of some 
land, for the beho/jf of the Palatines. John Conrad Weiser, 
Conrad's f^Uher, Yvas one of their deputies. 

Having, in a preceding part of this book, mentioned tlie 
leading circumstances, of this 'present. It is hoped, the reader 
will nevertlieless excuse the apparent episode, if the substance 
of the former be repeated in this connection. 

In 170S, the French in America, continued their aggressions 
eastward. Having penetrated to Haverhill, on the Merrimack, 
and reduced the town to ashes, it was then proposed by Colo- 
nel Vetch, to subdue Acadia, Canada, and Newfoundland; an 
attack was made upon Quebec, by a squadron with five regi- 
ments from England, and 1200 provincials from Massachusetts 
and Rhode Island, whilst 1500 men, under Colonels Vetch and 
Nicholson, from the central colonies, attempted Montreal, by 
way of Lake Charaplain. The inhabitants of New York en- 
tered into this scheme with great alacrity — raised funds for 
that purpose, and made other necessary preparations. The 
Five JVafions, by the influence of Col, Peter Schuyler, had 
been induced to take up the hatchet, and to send GOO warriors 
to the field, leaving theirs to be maintained by the provincial 
treasury. 

At this critical juncture. Colonel Nicholson returned to Eng- 
land to solicit further assistance; he was accompanied by Col. 
Peter Schuyler, with four Sachems of the confederate Indians. 
While in London, these chiefs saw the miserable condition in 
which the Germans were ; for they had just arrived from Ger- 
many, and encamped in the purlieus of London. The Indian 
chiefs commisserated their case, and one of them voluntarily 
presented Queen Ann a tract of his land in Schoharie, New 
York, for tht> benefit of the distressed Germans, whose hearts 
ached for a place of rest from oppression. 

John Conrad Weiser was one of the deputies to Schoharie. 
After they returned from the Mohawk or Maqua country, in 
which Schoharie lay, many of the families moved from Living- 
ston district in the autumn of 1713 ; some to Albany, others to 
Schenectady, with a view of moving, the following spring, to 
Schoharie. " Conrad's father also moved that fall, to Schenecf 
tady, and remained with his family, during the winter, with 
one Johannes Meynderten,. Here he was repeatedly visited 
by an Indian chief, called Quagnant, of the Maqua or Mohawk 

17* 



198 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

nation. Quagnant proposed to take Coniad with him to his 
own country, and teach him the language spoken by his nation. 
The father acceded, and Conrad, the son, accompanied his fu- 
ture instructor, and took lodings among the Indians, 

While here, and acquiring a knowledge of the Mohawk lan- 
o-uao-e, his sufferings, according to Weiser's own JRurnaJ, were 
almost intolerable. He had scarce clothes enough to cover his 
nudity, much less to protect him securely against the inclemency 
and piercing cold of a severe winter; and he was afterwards 
pressed by hunger, in addition to the pinchings of frost — and 
still to heighten the keen sufferings of the stranger and scholar, 
he was repeatedly menaced with death by the inebriate Indians, 
to escape which, he had frequently to flee and conceal himself, 
till reason was restored, and "a sober second thought" had re- 
strained the execution of their threats. While the young suf- 
ferer was among the savages, his father moved in the spring of 
1714, from Schenectady to Schoharie, being accompanied by 
one hundred and fifty German families. 

In the month of July, 1714, having spent the winter with 
Quagnant, Conrad returned to his father's house. Having, 
however, acquired considerable knowledge of the Mohawk lan- 
guage. At home, he perfected his knowledge of that language, 
by being repeatedly called on to act as interpreter between the 
German settlers and the Maqua or Mohawk Indians. Several 
families of the Maqua nation, lived within a mile of his Other's 
house. He complains, however, in his journal, that he had to 
interpret gratuitously. " So lagen auch allezeit Maquaische 
hie und wieder auf der Jagd, da es oefters was fehlte dass ich 
viel zu dalmetschen hatte, aber ohne Lohn.'^ Poor recom- 
pense. 

The Germans, amid hardships, sufferings, and trials, with 
which original settlers, in new countries, ever meet, made con- 
siderable improvements. Their flattering prospects, however, 
were blasted in their incipient efforts, and all their labor lost. 
Owing to a defect in their titles to the land, which they had 
with so much care and sohcitude improved, in not conforming 
to the requisitions of the laws of New York, before they loca- 
ted, to secure to themselves their improved lands. The Gov- 
ernor of New York sold these lands in Schoharie, to seven 
wealthy merchants, four of whom resided in Albany, and three 
in the town of New York ; those of the "former place, were 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 199 

Meyndert Shyller, John Shyller, Robert Livingston,* and Peter 
Non Brughen; those of New York, were George Clark, the 
Secretary of the Province, Doctor Stads, and Rip Yon Darn. — 
This caused a great excitement at the time, both at Schoharie 
and at Albany. There were many at Albanv, anxious to see 
it, that the poor Germans might retain the hmd. The Ger- 
mans, at Schoharie, were divived in opinion — two parties arose — 
the stronger refused to submit, wherefrom they sent tluee depu- 
ties, or commissioners, to England, to appeal to King George 
the first. The deputies sailed fiom Philailelphia, in 1818; but 
they had scarcely left Delaware 15ay, when the vessel in which 
they sailed, was surprised and captured by pirates. John Con- 
rad Weiser — Conrad's father — one of the deputies, was tied 
three times by the pirates, and bastinaded, with a view to com- 
pel him to give up what money he might have; he would not 
yield. William SchafF, another of the deputies, addressed the 
pirates; stating, that the purse they had taken from him, was 
theirs in common — that the bounden man had no more to give ; 
.whereupon they left the vessel. 

They were now compelled — having been robbed of all their 
provisions — to sail into Eoston harbor, to procure a fresh sup- 
ply. They then sailed for England — but to their sorrov/, regret, 
and great disappointment, times had changed since the demise 
of Queen Ann. They found but few fiiends; among these were 
the Reads, Boehmand Roberts, Chaplains at St. James. These 
did all that lay in their power, to bring their case before the 
Lords, Commissioners of Trade and Plantations. 

The consideration of the deputies was deferred, from time to 
time, till they were involved in debt, and in great difficulties. 

Mr. Walrath, the other deputy, resolved to return to Amer- 
ica, He embarked for New York, but died before he arrived. 
Weiser and Schaflf were imprisoned for debt. They wrote to 
their friends, at Schoharie, for money, but owing to the treach- 
ery of some, the forwarding of money was deferred: in the 

* Robert Livingston was also the proprietor of Livingston Manor, or Dis- 
trict, mentioned above, and originally contained that tract of land in Colum- 
bia county, New York, what now composes the township of Livingston, 
Taghkanie, Copake, Ancram, Gallatin, Clermont, and Germantown. — 
The royal grants to R. Livingston, are dated respectively 1684, and I681J, 
and were confirmed in 1714. 

In June, 1710, seventy of the Palatines sent out by Queen Ann, settled in 
'German township, then paTt of Livingston Manor — among these was Weiser. 



200 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

meantime, the Governor of New York appeared before the 
Lords of Trade and Plantations, while the deputies were still 
in prison; of course nothing to relieve them was eflected. Ul- 
timately, the money they had written for, was received ; and 
the two deputies paid their debt, and were released. They now 
supplicated — de novo — finally, they received an order on the 
new Governor, William Burnet, (of New York,) who was 
requested to grant the Germans such lands as were not disposed 
of, which had been presented to Queen Ann by the Indian Sa- 
chem, for' the beneht of the Germans. Towards the close of 
1720, said William Eurnet arrived at New York, 

Conrad Weiscr, in his private journal, says, "I was sent, in 
the early part of 1721, to New York, to said Governor Bur^ 
net, to hand him a petition. He received me kindly, and in- 
formed me that he had received instructions from the Lords of 
Trade, w'hich he had resolved to follow implicitly," 

The two surviving deputies were still in England, and were 
quite dissatisfied with what had been done, but could effect 
nothing more. In 1721, Schalf being displeased with John 
Conrad Weiser, returned. "Siehatten," says Conrad, "beide 
harte Koepfe." Both were obstinate. Finally, Mr. Weiser 
returned in November, 1723. Schaff died six months after his 
arrival. 

Governor Burnet granted patents to the few who agreed to 
settle in the Mohawk country, in Stoncy. Arabia,* or near the 
Falls;! but as only a few Avere disposed to settle at the Falls, 
some moved to the Mohawk country, others remained at Scho- 
harie — some having heard favorable reports of lands in Penn- 
sylvania, turned their faces thitherward. They united; wend- 
ing their course in a southeastern direction, till they struck the 
Susquehanna river, wheie they made canoes; these they freight- 
ed with their children and effects — floated down on the broad 
bosom of the river, to the mouth of the Swatara creek; thence 
they W'Orked their way up, till they reached a fertile spot in 
Tulpehocken — settled in the spring of 172-3, in the midst of the 
Indians. Here they also commenced improvements, without 
permission from the Land Commissioners," 

Conrad Weiser having married his beloved Anna Eva, (tlie 
daughter of respectable Christian parents,) the 22d Nov. 1720, 

* Now in Montgomery county, N. Y. 
t Falls in the Mohawk river. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 201 

while his father was in England ; and having settled in life, and 
being employed as interpreter, he remained at Schoharie till 
1729, when he, with his wife and five children, his sons Philip 
and Frederick, and daughters Anna, Madlina and Maria, fol- 
lowed his relations and friends at Tulpehocken, and chose this 
valley as his future residence; he located liimself half a mile 
east of the present site of Wommelsdorf.* 

Conrad Weiser, as occasion demanded it, acted in various, 
both private and public capacities. Few men were more useful 
in his day and generation, than he. Though he had determined 
to spend his remaining days in private, his talents soon attracted 
the attention of his own countrymen, as well as those of his 
adopted country. 

In August, 1730, John Peter Miller, a native of Oberant 
Lantern, of the Electoral Palatinate, and a graduate of the 
University of Heidelberg, arrived in Philadelphia, and there 
made application to the Scotch Synod, for clerical ordination. 
Before receiving ordination, a question for discussion was pro- 
posed, and in answering it, showed he was a man of ]-are en- 
dowments. "We gave him, says Rev. Andrews, in a letter to 
a friend, "a question to discuss about juHi/icaiio7i, and he an- 
swered it, in a whole sheet, in a very notable manner. He 
speaks Latin as reaihly as we do our vernacular tongue." 

Shortly after his ordination, Mr. Miller visited Mr. Weiser, 
at Heidelberg. Here Mr. Miller labored as a minister of the 
gospel, among the Germans, for several years. 

Weiser's skill, as an interpreter of the Indian language, was 

* When writing the History of Lancaster county, page 184 in a note, au- 
thority of " Family tradition," that Conrad Weiser's father come to Penn- 
sylvania in 1723. This is an error. The Hallische Nachrichter enables us 
to correct this. Dr. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg says, " In the )'^ear 1746, 
came my wife's grandfather to my house; he had resided in New York since 
1710, and lately on the borders of New England. He left that country on 
account of the dangers which he apprehended from the French and Indians, 
who had already murdered several German families. ?.Ioreover, he was 
also anxious to see his children and grand-children, to converse with them 
on the subject of religion, and to spend his last days, iinmolestedly, among 
his kindred in Pennsylvania. He was very infirm and frail when he came, 
and was confined in bed for some time after his arrival ; after he had ])een 
somewhat convalescent, his son Conrad, my father-in-law, who resided at 
Heidelberg, fifty miles off, sent a wagon with suitable bedding for them, — 
He reached Heidelberg with much difficulty — lived but a short time after- 
wards with his son — and fell asleep in death, in the presence of his weeping 
•children and grand-children." He had lived to the age of between SO and 
^0 years.— Hal. Naeh., p. 161-163. 



202 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

soon known and appreciated. His services were required, in 
that capacity, by the Hon. P. Gordon, Lieutenant Governor of 
the province of Pennsylvania, as early as 1731. For that pur- 
pose, Weiser accompanied Shekelemy and Cehachquey — Indi- 
ans — from his residence, to Philadelphia.* He was repeatedly 
called on, to act as interpreter, w^iile pursuing the improvement 
of his farm. Weiser and Shekelemy were, by the treaty of 
1732, appointed as fit and proper persons to go between the 
Six; Nations and the Government, and to be employed in all 
actions with one another, whose bodies, the Indians said, were 
to be equally divided between them and us; we to have one- 
half — that they (Indians) had found Conrad Weiser faithful and 
honest — that he is a true, good man, and had spoken their 
words, and our words, and not his own.f 

Weiser was a man of integrit}-, and of unbounded benevo- 
lence. He w^as disposed "to hope all things." He was easy 
of access, and readily yielded to religious influences. He was 
neither a rigid sectarian, nor a sanctimonious bigot ; though 
educated a Lutheran, and thoroughly indoctrinated in the prin- 
ciples of that church, he gave countenance to the sincere and 
good of other denominations. 

Several years after the arrival of the Rev. Miller, among the 
Germans, at Heidelberg and Tulpehocken, a religious excite- 
ment prevailed through that region ; scores imbibed the senti- 
ments promulgated by Conrad Beisel, the founder of the "Ger- 
man Seventh Day Baptist Association," at Ephrata." 

Among the number of converts to that doctrine, were Miller 
.and W^eiser, both of whom were initiated into that church, by 
the ordinance of baptism, in May, 1735. Weiser soon forsook 
the society, but Miller resorted to Ephrata, w^here he remained 
till the day of his death, September 25, 1796. 

George Thomas, Governor of the province of Pennsylvania, 
tendered Weiser the appointment of Justice of Peace, which he 
accepted, and soon after, he was appointed Indian agent and 
interpreter, for which he was exceedingly well qualified. In 
this, the threefold capacity, he rendered his country essential 
service for many years. From this time forth, till the day of 
his death, he commenced, and coi.tinued in a most actiye ca- 
reer. 

* Col. Rec, iii, 453. 
j-Prov. Rec, Book P., p. 9C. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES* 203 

In September, 1736, the chiefs of the Six Nations were ex- 
pected in Philadelphia, to confirm a treaty that had been pre- 
viously made in 1732. Weiser was active here, as we learn 
from the Public Records. " Conrad Weiser, our interpreter, 
about the beginning of September, 1736, advised from Tulpe- 
hocken, that he had certain intelligence from some Indians, sent 
before bun, that there was a large number of those people, with 
many of the chiefs, arrived at Shamokin, on the Susquehanna, 
upon which he was directed to repair thither to attend them, 
and supply them with necessaries on their journey liere, (Phil- 
adelphia.) 

On the 27th September, the chiefs came with Conrad Weiser 
to the President's house, at Stenton, being near the road, when 
a suitable entertainment was provided for them; and the next 
day, the honorable proprietor, Thomas Pcnn, and some of the 
council, with other gentlemen, coming thither from Philadel- 
phia; after dinner, a council was held at Stenton, September 
28. The council continued till the 29th; then adjourned, to 
meet Oct. 2d, in the Great Meeting House, in Philadelphia."* 

Weiser attended the adjourned council. 

A resolution was offered Oct. 4, 1736, "That Conrad Wei- 
ser, the interpreter, who is extremely useful on all such occa- 
sions—and on the present one has been very serviceable— there 
be given him twenty pounds."! 

In the year 1737, he was sent to Onondago, N. Y., at the 
desire of the Governor of Virginia. He departed quite unex- 
pectedly, towards the close of February, on a journey of five 
hundred miles, through a wilderness, when there was neither 
road nor path, and at a time of the year when arrivals could 
not be met with for food. The sufferings and privations he en- 
dured, were indescribably great. He gives a very interestincr 
account of this journey, in a letter, which is inserted in a pre"- 
vious page, (see p. 24, &c.) 

The following year, in May, he again went to Onondago, in 
company with Bishop Spangenberger, David Zeisberger, and 
Jihebosch, Moravian Missionaries to the Indians. They suffered 
many hardships, but experienced also, says Loskiel,| some re- 

* Prov. Rec, Book P., p. 90. 
t Prov. R-c, Eook I., p. 91. 
I Loskiel's His. of Miss., P. 11., p. 79 



204 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

markable joroofs of the kind Providence of God. Having been 
without provisions for several days, they found a quarter of 
bear, hung up for the use of travellers by an Indian hunter, who 
could not carry it off, according to a prevalent custom among 
the Indians — "When, says Loskiel, huntsmen kill a deer, they 
take the skin and as much of the flesh as they can carry; the 
rest they hang upon a tree for the use of such as pass that way." 

Such timely relief they received more than once, and were 
therefore encouraged to assist other hungry travellers whom 
they met on the road. One day they found two Iroquis warri- 
ors, who had lost all their provisions, were almost naked, and 
had travelled nearly four hundred miles. One of them was also 
on the road to Onondago. Conrad Wilson asked him how he 
intended to reach that place in such a situation? His answer 
Avas: "God, who dwells in heaven, has created the earth and 
all creatures therein, and he feeds numbers of men and beasts 
in the wilderness," He can and will feed me also. While 
they were in company with Weiser and his companions, they 
received their full share out of the common kettle, and thus he 
was fed according to his faith. Weiser cites this (see p. 2-5, 26,) 
as an illustration of the Indian's belief in the Providence of God. 

Though an active and efficient pubhc officer, still his mind was 
not so wholly engrossed as to give no heed, or devote some 
time to religious matters. He not only accompanied the Mo- 
ravian missionaries to Onandago; but in August, 1742, we 
find him again at Bethlehem, where he set out in company with 
Count Zinzendorf, who had just lately arrived in America, for 
Tulpehocken, to render the Count all necessary aid, affording 
him an opportunity of preaching to the Indians. On the 14th 
of August, they met a numerous embassy of Sachems, or heads 
of the Six Nations, returning from Philadelphia. Though they 
were "extremely mild, and had on the same day, shot one of 
their own people, Zinzendorf would not omit so good an op- 
portunity of preaching the gospel, but desired Conrad Weiser 
to tell them, that he had a word from God to them, and their 
nations, which he and his brethren, Avould proclaim to tliem; 
further, that his intention was neither to buy land, nor to trade, 
but to point out to them the way to everlasting life. Conrad 
Weiser added : "This is the man whom God hath sent, both to 
the Indians and the white people, to make known his will to 



HISTO&Y OF BtRKS AN© LEBANON COUNTIES. 205 

■them," confirming his words, after the Indian custom, by a 
present of a piece of red cloth.* 

Shortly after this, Weiser accompanied the Count to Sha- 
•mokin, where they were kindly receired by Shikelimus. After 
spending some time here, Weiser returned again to Tulpehocken 
settlement. 

In January, 1743, at the request of Gorernor Thomas Wei- 
ser, again set out for Shamokin. In his journal, he says: — "On 
the 30th of January, 1743, in the erening, I received the Gov- 
ernor's order, together with the deposition of Thomas McKee, 
and set out next morning with Mr. McKee for Shamokin, where 
we arrived on the first of February. I left Shamokin the 6th, 
and arrived at home in the night, the 9th of February.! 

So deeply was Weiser interested in the success of the mis- 
sionary etforts of the Moravians, in converting them to Chris- 
tianity, that aside from accompanying the heralds of the cross, 
he devoted much time to teachino^ them the Indian lano-uaire. — 
Pyrlacus, who arrived with Buettnerand Zander, from Europe, 
in October, 1741, as missionaries, to convert the Mahikander 
and Delaware nations, resolved to preach the gospel to the 
Iroquois nation; however, as a thorough knowledge of the 
Maqua or Mohawk language was required, to be able to preach 
the gospel to them, Pyrlacus went to Tulpehocken settlement, 
to the house of Conrad, in 1743, where he remained three 
months to study this language with him. Weiser's superior 
skill as a qualfied instructor, soon enabled his pupil to master 
the language, so as to adilress the tawny sons of that nation ; 
and with that view, he afterwards moved with his wife into the 
■interior part of the Iroquois country, and took up his abode 
with the English missionaries, in Juntarogu. Conrad Weiser 
had, says Loskiel, an inclination to follow Pyrlacus, and on his 
way, called at Shamokin. His astonishment, at what he saw 
and heard at this place, is evident, from the following letter to 
another of the missionaries, namely Buettner, who was stationed 
at Shamokin : 

" I was very sorry not to have seen you at Shemoken, owing 
to your indisposition. But the pleasure I felt, during my abode 
there, has left a deep impression upon me. The faith of the 

* Loskiel, P. ii., chap. 2, p. 27. 
\ Prov. Rec, Book K, p. 276. 

18 



4UU HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Indians in our Lord Jesus Christ — their simphcity and unaf- 
fected deportment — their experience of the grace procured for 
lis by the sufferings of Jesus, preached to them by the brethren, 
has impressed my mind with a firm behef, that God is with 
you. I thought myself seated in a company of primitive chris- 
tians. 

" The old men sat partly upon benches, and partly upon the 
ground, for want of room, with great gravity and devotion^ 
their eyes steadfastly fixed upon their teacher, as if they would 
eat his words. John was the interpreter, and acquitted him- 
self in the best manner. I esteeni him as a man annointed with 
grace and spirit. Though I am not well acquainted with the 
Mahikander language, yet their peculiar manner of delivery 
renders their ideas intelligible to me, as to any European in this 
country. In short, I deem it one of the greatest favors be- 
stowed upon me in this life, that I have been at Shamokin. 

" That text of scripture, "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday 
and to day, and for ever," appeared to me as an eternal truth, 
when I beheld the venerable patriarchs of the American Indian 
church sitting around me, as living witnesses of the power of 
our Lord Jesus Christ, and of his atoning sacrifice. Their 
prayers are had in remembrance in the sight of God — and may 
God fight against their enemies. May the Almighty give to 
you and your assistants an open door to the hearts of all the 
heathens. This is the most earnest wish of your sincere friend, 

Conrad Weiser." 

In April, 1743, he went again, in a public capacity, to Sha- 
mokin, on affairs of Virginia and Maryland. He says: — 
"April 9th, I arrived at Shamokin, by order of the Governor of 
Pennsylvania, to acquaint the neighboring Indians, and those 
on Wyoming, that the Governor of Virginia was well pleased 
with the mediation, and was willing to come to agreement with 
the Six Nations about the land his people were settled upon, if 
it was that they contended for, and to make up the matter of 
the late unhappy skirmish, in an amicable way," 

In June, he went to Onondago, in obedience to the orders 
of the Governor and Council of Pennsylvania. Of this journey 
there is a full report, and of the proceedings, in the Provincial 
Records, Book K., p. 280, 283, 287. 

As stated above, the governor of Virginia proposed to ad- 



HISTORY OF BERKS ANIJ LEBANON COUNTIES. 207 

Just all amicably, and the Indians acceded to attend a treaty to 
"be held the spring following, at Lancaster; in the interval an 
occurreucetookplace, and Weiser was again obliged to go toSha- 
jnokin. April, 1744, Governor Thomas received a letter dated, 
April 22, Lancaster, signed by Cookson, stating that John 
Armstrong, an Indian trader, with his two servants. Wood- 
ward Arnold, and James Smith, had been murdered at Juniata, 
by three Delaware Indians; he was despatched to the chiefs of 
the Delaware Indians, at Shacaokin, to make strict enquiry, 
which resulted in the apprehension of the murderer, who was 
imprisoned at Lancaster, and from that removed to Philadel- 
phia, to await his trial.* 

When the time arrived for the conference, or treaty, to be 
held at Lancaster, which took place, it was attended by the Gov- 
ernor himself, in person, and agents of Virginia and Maryland; 
Conrad Weiser attended as interpreter. Here all matters of 
dispute between the parties were satisfactorily settled. Weiser 
was paid £15 3^. 6d., to defray the expenses of the treaty .f 

From, and after 1743, Conrad Weiser did not, so efficiently 
as formerly, co-operate with the Moravians. Whatever may 
have led him to measureably, if not wholly, decline acting m 
concert with them, it was probably ownng to the fact, that pub- 
lic business demanded naore of his attention, and that he de- 
voted himself more to sustaining the church of his fathers; for 
an effort was made, at that time, by the Rev. Muhlenberg, 
who had arrived fiom Europe in 1742, as the Apostle of Lu- 
theranism in America, to build up their churches; and in conse- 

* In a letter to a friend, Weiser says, alluding to this occurrence — ^the 
death of John Armstrong, &c. — "After I had performed my errand, there 
%vas a feast prepared, to which the Governor's messengers were invited , 
there were about one hundred persons present; to whom, after we had, in 
great silence, devoured a fat bear, the oldest of the chiefs made a speech, in 
which he said : ' That by a great misfortune, three of the brethren — the 
ta?iite men — had been killed by an Indian ; that nevertheless, the sun was 
not set; (meaning there was no war,) it had only been somewhat darkened 
by a small cloud, which was now done away; he that done evil was likely 
to be punished, and the land to remain in peace; therefore, he exhorted his 
people to thankfulness to God ; and he began to sing with an awful solemni- 
ty, but without expressing any words; the others accompanied him with 
their voices; after they had done, the same Indian, with great earnestness 
and fervor, spoke these words : Thanks, thanks be to thee, thou great Lord 
of the World, in that thou hast again caused the sun to shine, and hast dis- 
persed the dark cloud — the Indians are thine.' " 

J- Vfltes of Assembly, III, p. 546— Gordon's Pa., 247 



208 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

quence, from his success, is justly entitled to the appellation of 
"Patriarch of the American Lutheran Church." He visited 
the Tulpehocken settlement in 1743, where he formed the ac- 
quaintance of Conrad Weiser, and a connection that would na- 
turally enlist his feelings, and secure his efforts, in building up 
and sustaining the Lutheran church, in preference to any 
other. 

Muhlenberg, Weiser's son-in-law, alluding to this circum' 
stance, says: "Im Jahr, 1743, ward unser Freund, Conrad 
Weiser, bekannt mit dem ersten hereingesandten Deutschen 
Evangelischen Prediger, gewan ihn und seine Lehre lieb und 
gab ihm 1745, seine aelteste Tochter zur, Ehegenossin. Diese 
Freundschafts-Verbindung verursachte dann und wann einen 
Besuch und eine anhaltende Correspondence; beide wurden, so 
viel Gott Gnaden verlichen, auf die seelen-Erbau ung gerichtet 
vobei er verschiedene Jahre ziemlich munter und lebhaft im 
Glauben schien. Die heilige Bibel war ihm durch und durch 
bekant. u. s. f.* 

"In 1745, May 19, 1 set out," says Weiser, "for Onondago, 
incompany with Shikelamy, one of the Indian chiefs, his son, 
and Andrew Montour, and we arrived safe at Onondago on the 
6th of June following. The 7th, early in the morning, Canas- 
satego, Cahesh, Carrawano, the Black Briar, and Casehayion, 
came to receive me and my company. The best part of the 
day was spent with discourses concerning news, &c., &c." 

It was probably while at Onondago this time, the current 
anecdote, related by Dr. Franklin, touching Weiser and Canas- 
satego, which is found in Drake's Indian Biography, Book V., 
p. 12, 13. As the editors of the valuable Encyclopedia Per- 
thensis have thought this anecdote worthy a place in that 
work, it has gained one here : 

" Dr. Franklin tells us a very interesting story of Canassa- 
tego, and at the same time makes the old chief tell another. — 
In speaking of the manners and customs of the Indians, the 
doctor says, "The same hospitality, esteemed among them as 
a principal virtue, is practised by private persons; of which 
Conrad Weiser, our interpreter, gave me the following instan- 
ces : He had been naturalized among the Six Nations, and 
spoke well the Mohawk language. In going through the In- 
dian country, to carry a message from our governor to the 

* Hal. Nach., p. 976. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 209 

coijincil at Ononrlago, he called at the habitation of Canassate.- 
go, an old acquaintance, who embraced him, spread furs for him 
to sit on, placed before him some boiled beans, and venison, and 
mixed some rum and water for his drink. When he was welj 
refreshed, and had lit his pipe, Canassatego, began to converse 
with him; asked how he had fared the many years since they 
had seen each other ; whence he then came ; what occasioned 
the journey, &c. Conrad answered all his questions; and when 
the discourse began -to flag, the Indian to continue it, said, 
* Conrad, you have lived long among the white people, and 
know something of their customs: I have been sometimes at 
Albany, and have observed, that once in seven days they shut 
up their shops, and assemble in the great house; tell me what 
that is for; what do they do there?' 'They meet there,' says 
Conrad, 'to hear and learn good things.' 'I do not doubt,' 
says the Indian, 'that they tell you so; they have told me the 
same; but I doubt the truth of what they say, and I will tell 
you my reasons. I went lately to Albany, to sell my skins, 
and buy blankets, knives, powder, rum, &c. You know I used 
generally to deal with Hans Hanson ; but I was a little inclined 
this time to try some other merchants. However, I called first 
upon Hans, and asked him what he would give for beaver. — 
He said he could not give more than four shillings a pound; but 
says he, I cannot talk on business now ; this is the day 
when we meet too-ether to learn 2:ood thino-s, and I am sjoincf 
to the meeting. So I thought to myself, smce I cannot do any 
business to-day, I may as well go to the meeting too, and I 
went with him. There stood up a man in black, and began to 
talk to the people very angrily ; I did not understand what he 
said, but perceiving that he looked much at me, and at Hansonj 
I imagined that he was angry at seeing me there; so I went 
out, sat down near the house, struck fire, and lit my pipe, wait- 
ing till the meeting should break up. I thought too that the 
man had mentioned something of beaver, and suspected it might 
be the subject of their meeting. So wdien they came out, I ac- 
costed my merchant. ' Well, Hans,' says I, ' I hope you have 
agreed to give more than 4:S. a pound.' ' No,' says he, ' I 
cannot give so much, I cannot give more than three shillings 
and sixpence. I then spoke to several other dealers, but they 
all sung the same song, — three and sixpence, three and six- 
pence. This made it clear to me that my suspicion was right; 

18* 



210 HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANOff COUNTIES. 

and that whatever they pretended of meeting to learn good 
things, the purpose was to consult how to cheat Indians in the 
price of beaver. Consider but a little, Conrad, and you must 
be of my opinion. If they met so often to learn good things, 
they would certainly have learned some before this time. But 
they are still ignorant. You know our practice. If a white 
man, in travelling through ourcountry, enters one of our cabins, 
we all treat him as I do you; we dry him if he is wet; we 
warm him if he is cold, and give him meat and drink, that he 
may allay his thirst and hunger; and we spread soft furs for him 
to rest and sleep on: we demand nothing in return. But if I 
go into a white man's house at Albany, and ask for victuals 
and drink, they say, get out you Indian dog. You see they 
have not yet learned those little good things, that we need no 
meetings to be insiructed in, because our mothers taught them 
to us when we were children; and therefore it is impossible their 
meetings should be, as they say, for any such purpose, or have 
any such effect*, they are only to contrive the cheating of In- 
dians in the price of beaver.' " 

In June, 1747, he again started for Shamokin, charged with 
a message to the Indians there to notify them of the death of 
the late Proprietary, John Penn. In his report of this mission, 
to the Secretary; Weiser says, that in his journey to Shamokin, 
in obedience to the command of the President and Council, he 
fortunately met, at Chamber's mill, in Pextang, with Shikela- 
my and several Indians, among whom was Scaienties, a man of 
note, of the Cayuga nation, which accidental meeting ren- 
dered it unnecessary for him to go farther, he here Communi- 
cated them the message, &c.* 

The reader, it is believed, will excuse the apparent episode, 
in giving a place to an extract from the Hallische JVachrich- 
ten, containing Weiser's views, as to instructing the Indians in 
the doctrines of Christianity; and to show that he was fearless 
in the discharge of public duty, as a Justice of Peace. 

"July 5, 1747, I (Muhlenberg) preached at Northkill, in 
Bethel township, Lancaster county, (now Berks,) on the gos- 
pel, of the lost and found sheep, Luke~ xv. — baptized several 
children — confirmed some of the young people — there was 
much and deep religious feeling — dispersed the Lord's Supper. 
In the afternoon hastened to another appointment, eight miles 
* Prov. Rec , Book L., p. 7 



HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 211 

oif, to Tulpehocken, to preach at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. — 
Having preached and taken my leave from the congregation, 
and in going with my father-in-law, Conrad Weiser, to his house, 
"we overtook an Indian chief, who was accompanied by his son 
and son-in-law, on his way to Mr. Weiser's, to confer with 
him concerning some lands." 

"If we consider," says M., " the blindness and darkness in 
spiritual matter, of those Indians, we feel disposed to deplore 
their condition ; because we have the light of the gospel, but 
we generally love darkness rather than light." The French 
Papists, many years ago, made an effort to convert the Cana- 
dian Indians to Christianity, but succeeded illy, because several 
of their missionaries violated the seventh commandment. 

According to Mr. Weiser's statement, our Indains are very 
astute and witty in natural things — of quick perception; and 
although they cannot write, they retain much of the past his- 
tory ; because they handed it down^by oral tradition, from one 
generation to another. They generally entertain deep-rooted 
prejudices against the whites, and mistrust them greatly, saying 
the whites had crept out of the earth on the other side of the 
great deep, and they on this side. The whites should have 
reemained on their own ground, whence they came, and there 
maintain themselves as they do on theirs. That the whites 
came for no other purpose to this country, than to take away 
their lands — and have spoiled their hunting ground, and thus 
made life a burden, by rendering the procuring of game and 
fish more arduous, in order to supply their natural wants. — 
They also complain that decease is more common among them 
since the introduction of intoxicating liquors. 

If an attempt is made to instruct them in the truths con- 
tained in the revealed word of God, it is impracticable to do it 
with any degree of success, for the want of suitable terms or 
words to convey to their mind spiritual perception. Natural 
theology, and the historical portions of scripture might be 
tau2;ht them to a considerable extent in their own lanafuaore, 
scanty as it is. 

Mr. Weiser made repeated efforts, yet in a great degree,, 
without much success, to communicate to them, historical facts 
from the writings of Moses. They invariably replied : — "This 
may all be true, and it is likely the Great Spirit may have re-, 
vealed this to you on the other side of the great water; but it 



212 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

does not concern us. Our God has revealed to lis, on this side 
of the great water, something else; do you adhere to what has 
been revealed to you, and we will hold to that which has been 
revealed to us." 

Mr. Weiser is of the opinicn, that to convert them to Chris- 
tianity, it would be essential, among other methods, to adopt 
something like the following: 

1. Several missionaries should take up their abode in the 
midst of the Indians, and strive to make themselves tho^ 
roughly masters of their language — conform as far as possible 
to their costumes, manners and customs, yet reprove their na- 
tural vices by a holy, meek, and virtuous deportment. 

2. Translate revealed truth into their own language, and 
present the whole as intelligibly as possible. 

8. The missionaries should study the Indian's tunes and me- 
lodies, and convey to them the law and gospel, in such tunes 
and melodies, in order to make an abiding impression — and 
thereby, under the blessings and increase of God, patiently wait 
for th-e fruits of their labors. 

Weiser, as a justice of the peace, was fearless in the discharge 
of his duty. He incurred the displeasure of the lawless. Muh- 
lenberg says, in the Hallische Nachrichten, p. 209 — an attempt 
was made to fire his house in 1747. 

" There was a certain family living in the neighborhood of 
my father-in-law, Conrad Weiser, against whom he pronounced 
the sentence of the law for a certain tlas^rant violation thereof. 
Shortly afterwards, the doors and the windows of his house 
v>'ere fastened, by some ill-disposed persons, in the night, and a 
large heap of straw, with other coinbustibles, was placed under 
the roof of the portico, and fire set to it. The smoke, and the 
noise of the burning roof, wakened one of the chikhen, who 
aroused the other inmates instantly. But as the doors had 
been fastened, they were obliged to force their way through 
the window, to extinguish the fire. Thus they narrowly es- 
caped — his whole family were in danger of being consumed, 
except two chihh-en, who had gone to a neighbor's house before 
night, and remained there. 

In November of the same year, he was sent upon another 
mission to Shamokin ; the object of the mission was to admin- 
ister relief to some of the suffering Indians there. " On the 
6th of Oct., 1747," says Weiser, "I set out for Shamokin, by 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 213' 

way of Pextang— the weather was bad. I arrived at Shamo- 
kin on the 9th, about noon; I was surprised to see ShikaUmy 
in such a condition as my eyes beheld. He was hardly able to 
stretch forth his hand, to bid me welcome. In the same con- 
dition was his wife — his three sons not quite so bad, but very 
poorly ; also one of his daughters, and two or three of his grand- 
children. All had the fever. There were three buried out of 
the family, a few days before, namely: Cajadis, Shikalimy's 
son-in-law, who had been married to his daughter above fifteen 
years, and w-as reckoned the best hunter among all the Indians, 
nnd two others. I administered medicine to them, under the 
directions of Dr. Graeme."* Shikalimy soon recovered from 
his sickness. Weiser returned, and arrived at home the 15th 
of October; but we soon find him again at Paxton, or Harris' 
Ferry. 

Paxton, Nov. 28, 1747. 
Richard Peters, Esq. 

Sir : — Last night I arrived here with the Indians, all in good 
health but Canachquasy, the speaker. 

Scaiohady told Shikalimy at my house, very privately, that 
Peter Chartier and his company, had accepted of the French 
hatchet : but kept it in their bosom till they would see what 
interest they could make in favor of the French. 

Yours, &c., 

Conrad Weiser. 

This was a manifesto of what was brooding among the In- 
dians, and the dangers apprehended from Indian hostilities., in- 
duced the Assembly to use every exertion to secure the aid of 
those not yet disaffected, and if possible, to gain over the dis- 
alfected. The government had a subtle enemy to fear, "for 
the Indians were well disposed to make the most of their fears 
of their good friends, the whites; and by continual suggestions 
of their inability long to resist the French, who endeavored to 
intimidate them by threats, and to seduce them by promises, 
they gave occasions for new conferences, which were always 
accompanied by presents. Distant and vagrant tribes, also, 
sent their ambassadors, proffering friendship, and soliciting the 
bounty of the Province," 

* Prov. Rec, Book L., p. 7. 
t Prov. Rec, Book L., p. 145. 



214 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

"Some Indians, on the banks of the Ohio, connected with 
the Six Nations, visited Philadelphia, to tender their homage, 
and to invite the Province to send commissioners to a council 
fire, at which the neighboring nations were to be present. Im- 
pressed with the importance of such a conference, the council 
invited the governments of Maryland and Virginia to send their 
agents, and to unite in preparing a suitable present. On the 
part of Pennsylvania, goods were provided to the amount of 
ten thousand pounds, and Conrad Weiser was selected as envoy. 
He was charged to obtain a perfect knowledge of the pumbers, 
situation, disposition and strength of the Indians of the vicinity; 
W'hether friends, neutrals or enemies; what reliance might be 
placed upon them to protect the Province against the French." 
Previous to his entrance upon his journey w^estward, Weiser 
consulted the friendly Indians, as is evident from the following 
■communication : 

TuLPEHOcKEN, March 28, 1748. 
Richard Peters, Esq., Secretary of Pa.* 
Sir — 
I let you know by these lines, that Shikalimy, with his eldest 
son, came dawn from Shamokin, at my request. They arriv€'d 
this afternoon. I wanted to consult with him about the journey 
to Ohio, and to hear what passes among the Indians on Sus- 
quehanna river, and elsewhere. 

Yours, &c., 

Conrad Weiser. 

On the receipt of this communication, Mr. Peters wrote to 
Weiser, requesting him to come forthwith to Philadelphia — he 
accordingly went, and spent a few days. In the meantime, he 
took prehminary measures to biing things to a happy issue. 
Under date of loth June, 1748, Weiser again addresses the 
Secretary : 

" Last night arrived at my house, Fanataraykon, Sogogock- 
iathen, Achnoara, Kattake, and Sanagaranet, sent by Shikali- 
my, to infoim me that a message from the Six Nations was 
sent, &c."t 

On the 23d of the iiionth, Weiser attended the council at 

* Prov, Rec. Book, L., p. 211. 
t Ibid, 320. 



iyriSTORY OF BEfiKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 215 

Philadelphia. " He and Andrew Montour were without, but 
were called in; and Mr. Weiser presented Mr. Montour to the 
Board, as a proper person who might be of service to the Pro- 
vince, as an Indian interpreter and messenger; informing them 
that he had employed him in sundry affairs of consequence, and 
found him faitl)ful, knowing and prudent — that he had engaged 
him for his own private information^ as Andrew lives among the 
Six Nations, between the branches of the Ohio and Lake 
Erie, &c." 

At this time, Weiser received special instruction. The in- 
structions were handed him in writing, and are as follows: 

"Sir — This Government having promised the Inciians, who 
came from Ohio in November last, to send you to them, early 
in the Spring, and having provided a present of considerable 
value, you are to proceed thither, with all convenient despatch. 
Mr. George Croghan, the Indian trader, who is well acquainted 
with the Indian country, and the best roads to Ohio, has un- 
dertaken the convoy of you and the goods, with his own man 
and horses, at the public expense, &c. 

These instructions had been drawn up in March previous, 
when Mr. Weiser was on the point of going to Ohio, and laid 
before the Assembly in May; but his journey being postponed, 
for reasons set forth, were not sooner delivered to him.* 

August 11th, 1748, Weiser set out from his house for Ohib; 
travelled that day about thirty miles; staid all night at the 
house of James Galbraith, in Cumberland county, east Penns- 
boro township. His jourf'al of this mission, is replete with 
thrilling incidents. The want of space allows no extracts here. 
Weiser returned from Ohio, and arrived at home September 29, 
1748.t 

Notwithstanding the efforts made on the part of the govern- 
ment to quiet the Indians, they committed depredations. In 
order to adopt decisive measures, the Secretary of the Pro- 
vince, Mr. Richard Peters, and Conrad Weiser, were directed 
to proceed to Cumberland county in 1749, to expel some white 
intruders, who caused the Indians great uneasiness, and induced 
them to commit depredations. Peters and Weiser were joined 
by the magistrates of the county, the delegates from the Six 

* Prov Rec. Book, 334. 

t The writer has transcripts of several of Weiser's journal, aihounting to 
several hundred ordinary sized pages. 



'21^ HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Nations, a chief of the Mohawks, and Andrew Montour, lis 
interpreter from the Ohio.* 

About this time, Weiser was nearly constantly abroad in the 
discharge of the public duty as Indian agent. In the month of 
August, 17r30, he undertook a journey to Onondago, with a 
message from the Honorable Thomas Lee, Esq., President ol 
Virginia, to the Indians there. 

Place is given to a brief abstract from his journal : — August 
15, 1750, I set out in the afternoon, from my house at Heidel- 
berg, came to Reading on Schuylkill, 14 miles. The 17th, to 
Nazanth, 27 miles. The 18th, to Nicholas Depue, in Smith- 
field, on the Delaware, 30 miles. The 19th, to Henry Cort- 
recht, at the Minisinks, 20 miles. The 20th, to Emanuel Pas- 
cal, 35 miles. The 21st, to Kingston, 44 miles. The 22d, 
rain all day. The 23d, crossed Hudson's river, came to Rein- 
beck, 10 miles. The 24th, came to the Manor of Livingston, 
18 miles. The 25th, came to Albany, 24 miles. Sunday 26, 
met Henry Peters and Nickas, two chiefs of the Mo- 
hawks, &c." 

In this journey, he had an interview with Livingston, and 
Col. Johnson. On page 89, he recommends to John Pickert, 
his sisters son, to learn the Mohawk tongue perfect among the 
Indians, to serve as an interpreter for Pennsylvania. Pickert's 
father resided one mile from Canawadagy. 

Sept. 21, Weiser went towards Schoharie or Huntersfield — 
he spent some time here. Arrived at home, Oct. 1, 1750.t 

In June, 1751, he again went to Albany, to meet the In- 
dians there on public business.| July, 1753, he went once 
more to the Mohawk country. " Jul)' 24, 1753, I set out 
from my house in Heidelberg, in Berks county ; anived at Phil- 
adelphia the 26. August 1, I arrived at New York — being 
taken ill, I sent my son Sammy with one Henry Van den Ham, 
to Flushing, on Long Island, to wait on Governor Clinton, to 
deliver Hamilton's letters. August 7, took passage board a 
sloop to Albany." After transacting his business, he returned 
to Philadelphia, where he arrived August 30th. § 

About this tii^e, a society of noblemen and gentlemen of 

*t?ordon'sPa., 260. 

t Prov. Rec, book M., p. 84. 

t Ibid, 133. 

^ Ibid, 341. 



ttlStORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 217 

London, England, formed a scheme for the relief and instruc- 
tion of poor Germans, and their descendants, settled in Penn- 
sylvania, and considering that they resided too great a distance 
to know where schools were most needed, they appointed a 
Board of Trustees General, for the management of their scheme; 
Conrad Weiser was appointed as one of them — his colleagues 
were Gov. James Hamilton, Chief Justice Allan, Richard Pe- 
ters, Secretary of the Land Office, Benjamin Franklin, Esq., 
and the Rev. William Smith, D. D. This board appointed 
the Rev. Michael Schlatler, Visitor General.* 

In 1755, during the alarms on the frontiers, Weiser was ap- 
pointed Colonel of a regiment of volunteers from Berks county. 
He exerted himself by day and night in the protection of his 
suffering fellow citizens, and repelhng the savage Indians in 
their incursions. He was vigilant, brave and active. See his 
numerous letters on this subject, in preceding pages 33 to 79, 
inclusive. A number of forts and block houses were put up 
under his directions, on the frontiers of Lancaster and Berks. 

During the Indian and French war, he had command of the 
second battalion of the Pennsylvania regiment, consisting of 
nine companies. These he distributed very judiciously — he 
stationed one company at Fort Augusta, one at Hunter's mills, 
seven miles above Harrisburg, on the Susquehanna, one half 
company on the Swatara, at the foot of the North Mountain, 
one company and a half at Fort Henry, close to the gap of the 
mountain, called the Tolhea Gap, one company at Fort Wil- 
liam, near the forks of the Schuylkill river, six miles beyond 
the mountain, one company at Fort Allen, erected by Benj. 
Franklin, at Gnadenhurlen, on the Lehigh, t^e other three 
companies were scattered between the rivers Lehigh and Dela- 
ware, at the dispositions of the captains, some at farm houses, 
others at mills, from three to twenty in a place.f 

During the period of the French and Indian war, he attended 
many treaties and conferences. In November 1755, he at- 
tended the meetings of the Council at Philadelphia.! In Jan- 
uary, 1756, he attended an Indian conference at John Harris' 
Ferry. "January 29, 1756, I set out from my house with a 

* The reader is referred to precsdiag pages, 99, 109, for a particular ac- 
count of this scheme, 
t Gordons Pa. p. 341. 
f See preceeding page, 51. 

20 



218 histoAy of berks and Lebanon counties; 

hired man; arrived at Harris' Ferry the 30th, being >ainy 
weather. I met the Indians that evening, acquainted them that 
I was sent, &c. Early in the morning, on the olst, I met them 
in the Belt's cabin, &c. In July, 1756, he was interpreter at 
a council held at Easton.* Next year, 1757, he attended the 
Indian treaty held at Lancaster, May 29, and another at Eas- 
ton, held in August; on all these occasions he was inter- 
preter. 

At this time he had taken his residence! '^^ the town of 
Reading, where he still acted as Indian agent, and in the ca- 
pacity of commissary ; having plenary powers granted for that 
purpose, as appears from the following document: 



( " ] William Denny. 

I^y the Honorable William Denny, Esq., Governor and Com- 
mander-in-Chief of the Province of Pennsylvania, and coun- 
ties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex on Delaware. 
Whereas, Brigadier General Stanwix hath represented to 
me, that his Majesty's service is in immediate want of a num- 
ber of wagons and horses, for the transportation of provisions, 
and other necessaries for the army under his command, and 
that he hath contracted with Conrad Weiser, Esq., of the coun- 
ty of Berks, to supply the quota assigned to be raised, within 
the said county of I3erks, to grant unto the said Conrad Wei- 
ser, impress warrants, in case he shall at any time find himself 
obliged to apply to the said justices for the same. These are, 
therefore, in his Majesty's name, and in pursuance of the Act 
of Assembly, to require you to issue your warrants to the con- 
stables within your respective districts, for the impressing of 
as many wagons as shall at any time be demanded by the said 
Conrad Weiser, or his deputies, in order to enable him and 
them to carry on the King's service according to his contract. 
Hereof fail not, as you will answer to the contrary at your 
peril. 

* Prov. Rec, Book 0, p. 23. 

t " On the corner of Penn and Callowhill streets, stood Weiser's house. — 
In old times it was the principal hotel in the place. Here the war-song of 
the savage was sung — the war-dance wound down, and the calumet of peace 
finally smoked." — Reading Times. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES 119 

Given under my hand and seal at arms, at Philadelphia, the 
ninth day of June, Anno. Dom., 1759, in the sixty-second year 
of his Majesty's reign. 

To the Justices of Peace for the county of Berks. 

William Denny. 

His opinion touching public as well as private affairs, was 
always regarded, and in emergencies, he was freely consulted. 
The following is a case in point. We quote an extract of the 
proceedings of the Provincial Council held in Philadelphia. 

" Sept. 19, 1759, Mr. Weiser was sent for, and desired to 
give his sentiments about the request of Teedpuscung, an In- 
dian chief, for fixing a certain price for scalps, and that the 
Governor would send him a black belt to give to the Dela- 
wares, and the Ten Confederate Nations, to go to war against 
the French ; and secondly, on building an Indian Fort and 
houses for the Delawares, and appointing a proper j^erson to 
direct and superintend the works." 

On this occasion he wished it, as a favor, to be permitted to 
give his views in writing, which he did as follows: 

September, 19, 1759. 
May it please your Honor: — 

I have weighed the discourse about Indian affairs, at this 
time passed in your Honor's presence ; it is my humble opinion, 
that no encouragement should be given to the Indians for scalps, 
for fear we must then pay for our own scalps, and those of our 
fellow subjects, as will certainly be the case; allow as much 
for prisoners as you please, rather more than was intended. 

Great caution should be used in requiring the Indians to be 
settled on Wyomink, to take up the hatchet against the French 
and their Indian allies, for fear they will have it to say, that 
we made peace with them in order to make them fight our bat- 
tles, and to make them a barrier and throw away their lives, 
by setting them against the French, and their numerous allies. 
The Ohio Indians will say, we will rather stay where we are, 
we are on the strongest side now, and will not hazard our lives 
and families in breaking w4th the French, in favor of the En- 
glish, who have been beaten several times, and are not likely 
to do any thing for themselves. 

I am in a very low state of health, and cannot without gre^l 



220 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

hazard undertake any journey; besides, if the Six Nations 
should not be pleased with the building of a Fort at Wyomink, 
they would blame me more than any body else, because they 
would have it to say, that I knew their rights, &c. Though I 
believe if the building of a Fort at Wyomink is cautiously car- 
ried on, merely for the use of the Indians, and left to them when 
finished, all will be well. 

A trading house at Fort Augusta, should immediately be 
erected, else our Indian interest, what little we may yet have, 
will be entirely lost. If the Government cannot agree about 
the condition, some well disposed men should be appointed to 
keep stores at Fort Augusta, and furnish the Indians with what 
they want, clothing especially, as they must be for the most 
part naked at this time. This article requires all possible care 
and speed. 

Rum should not be allowed to be sold or given by any li- 
censed trader. A Uttle, or just a dram, might be given by the 
commanding officer of Fort Augusta, and he to deny obstinately, 
and absolutely a second ; and the Indians will like it the better, 
when they judge of the thing coolly, and by themselves. 

Sir William Johnson, or rather the Six Nations, by means 
of Sir William, should be made acquainted with this, and be 
told, it was done at the request of our Brethren, the Delaware 
Indians; and that we claim no right, by means of that Fort, to 
the lands of Wyomink, but leave the fort to be possessed and 
defended by the Indians. 

Conrad Weiser. 

From the preceding communication we learn, that Weiser's 
health began to fail him. '• / am," says he, " in a very low 
state of health, Src. Even at the time he accepted the ap- 
pointment of Colonel, he was infirm, yet, remarkable as it may 
appear, discharged efficiently and ably, all the ardent and re- 
sponsible duties devolving upon him, as a soldier. Justice of 
the peace, and interpreter, to the satisfaction of the Govern- 
ment. Before his appointment as Colonel, he had resolved to 
live relired. His patriotism would not, though he made 
great sacrifices of comfort and gain, suffer him to enjoy the 
ease and quiet of life, so desirable when on the verge of three 
score years. 

"AIs aber," says Muhlenberg in his Biographical notice, 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COVNTIES. 221 

'•'der gefaehrliche Krieg in diesem Theil der Weltzwischen den 
Franzosen und England ausbrach, und unsere benachbarte 
Wilde Nationen meist bundbrichen worden, den Feinden zufiel- 
en, und unsere Grenzen verwuesteten, gerieth Conrad Weiser 
in neue Versuchungen. Die Landes Obrigkeit verordnete 
ilm zura Obrist-Leutnant. Die Aemter sind hier bisweilcn nur 
fuer die Personen, und die Personen nicht fuer die Aemter ges- 
chaffen. 

Und weil man seiner nun besonders in diesen Umstaenden 
benoethigt war, und ihm noch viel mehr muehe und Last auf 
legen wollte, so sollte das Salariam einst Obrist-Leutnants alles 
ersetzen u. s. f. Diese Bedienung,, charge, oder Last, wie man 
es nennen, mag, that ihm und seinen Kindern mehr Schaden an 
Seel und Lieb, als einigcs zuvor. Er war schon alt an Jahren, 
Schwach an Leibeskraeften, der haeuslichen Pflege gewohnt, 
muste viel abwesend von Hause seyn und audi oft mit den 
Vornehmen in der Stadt und Europaeischen Kriegshelden wegen 
der Indianer Sachen conferriren. 

Der Allergnaedigste und Erbarmungsvolle Mittler und Men- 
schen— Freund, der nicht Lust hat an des Menschen-Verder- 
ben, erhielte sein natuerliches Leben bis fast zum Ende des 
wunderlichen Kriegs, und verlich ihm noch eine besondere 
Gnadenfrist, so dass er Zeit hatte sich zu recalligiren ; im 
Blute des Lammes die Befleckung des Geistes abzuthun, seine 
Kleider helle zumachen, seine Seeligkeit mit Furcht und Zit- 
tern zu schaffen, und ein gnaediges Endezu erwarten. Eskos- 
tet gewiss Viel ein Christ zu sein, und zu b]eil)en. — Hal. 
JYach., p. 974. 

He closed his eventful Hfe July 13, 1760. On Saturday, the 
12th, he went from his residence in Reading, in the enjoyment 
of his wonted health, to his country seat, near the present site 
of Wommelsdorf. He was suddenly seized by a violent colica 
pitiutosa, which terminated his life on Sunday about noon. His 
remains were interred in the family burying ground, on the 15th, 
on which occasion the Rev. Kurtz preached a very impressive, 
discourse from these words : "And thou shalt go to thy fathers 
in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. Sen. 15: 15." 
Compared with Ps. 84: 11, 12 ; for the Lord God is the sun 
and shield : the Lord will give grace and glory : no good thing 
Vn'ill he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of 
hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. 

20* 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

He left seven children (having been the father of fifteen chil- 
dren, eight of whom had died,) and a widow, to lament his 
departure. The spot, exposed as it is, where he lies, is about 
half a mile east of Wommelsdorf, south of the turnpike. A 
rough hewn sand-stone, singly and alone, stands there with the 
following (almost obliterated) inscription: 

Dieses ist die 

Ruhe Staette des 

weyl ehren geachteten M. Conrad Weiser 

derselbige ist gebohren 1696 den 2 November 

in Astaet im Amt Herrenberg im 

Wittenberger Lande, und gestorben 

1760 den 13 Julius, ist 

alt worden 63 jahr ,., 

8 Monat und 13 Tage. 

Tradition has it, that from a high regard for his character, 
the Indians, for many years after his death, were in the habit 
of making visits of affectionate remembrance to his grave. Re- 
spect paid, which puts to shame the respect of some kindred. 

The writer visited the grave of Weiser, February 21, 1844; 
and was pained to see no inclosure or fence around the grave 
of so great and good a man. Will not his wealthy descendants 
think of this? Remember the respect paid him by the Indians. 
Verbum sat. 



HEREFORD TOWNSHIP. 



Hereford township was settled at a comparatively early pe- 
riod. It, Uke many other parts of Pennsylvania, was sought 
as a place of refuge for the oppressed. Many of the present 
inhabitants are descendants of those who came hither to seek a 
home free from oppression. 

In this and adjacent townships of Berks and Bucks, the 
Schwenkfelders settled at a comparatively early period. As a 
Christian, they are named after Casper Schwenkfeld von Ossing, 
Selisian knight, and counsellor to the duke of Lignitz. He 
v/as bom (seven years after Luther) in Loneer Selisia, in 1490, 
in the principality of Lignitz. As a reformer, he, like others, 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 223 

had his adherents. For a particular account of Schwenkfeld, 
a work lately prepared for press by the writer, and published 
by James Y. Humphreys, Philadelphia, 1744. The work is 
entitled He Pa s a Ekklesia, &c. 

The Schwenkfelders were sorely persecuted in Europe, from 
time to time. In 1719, the Jesuits thought the conversion of 
them an object worthy of attention ; accordingly they sent mis- 
sionaries to Silesia, who preached to them the faith of the em- 
peror. The missionaries produced imperial edicts, that all 
parents should attend their public worship, and bring their chil- 
dren to be instructed in the Catholic faith, under severe pen- 
alties. 

The Schwenkfelders sent deputies to Vienna, to solicit for 
toleration and indulgence; and though the emperor apparently 
received them with kindness and condescension, yet the Jesuits 
had the dexterous address to procure another imperial edict, 
ordering that such parents- as would not bring every one of 
their children to the missionaaries for instruction, should at last 
be chained to the wheel-barrow, and jiut to hard labor on the 
public works, and their children should, by force, be brought to 
the missionaries. 

Upon this, families fled in the night, into Lusatia, and other 
parts of Saxony, in 1725; sought shelter under the protection 
of the Senate Gorlitz, and also of Count Zinzendorf — leaving 
behind them their effects, real and personal, (the road being 
beset, in day time, to stop all emigrants.) They dwelt unmo- 
lested, in their late sought shelter, about eight yeais; when 
this protection being withdrawn, they resolved to seek a per- 
manent establishment in Pennsylvania. A number of them in 
1734, emigrated to Altona, a considerable city of Denmark and 
Holland, thence to Pennsylvania. 

In April, 1734, they left for Altona, where they arrived 
May 17 ; thence sailed for America, and after a tedious voyage, 
arrived at Philadelphia on the 22d September, 1734; and on 
the 5th October, of the same year, ethers of them arrived. 
They settled principally in Montgomery, Bucks, Lehigh and 
Berks, where their grand-children reside at present. Of those 
•of them who first settled in Hereford township, were the Rev. 
Christopher Schultz, sen., George Schultz, Melchior Schultz, 
Melchior Wiegner, David Mester, Gregorius Mester, Baltzer 
Yeasrle. 



324 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

The township was pretty well settled, as early as 1745. 

The following were the taxables in 1758: 

Melchir Wagoner, George Acker, Andrew AltendorfF, Deo- 
bald Beck, Abraham Bechtel, Abraham Bauer, Michael Bauer, 
Gerhardt Bechtel, John Bechtel, Peter Bishop, Conrad Been, 
Martin Kreter, Martin Ivlever, George Dee, John Erly, Joseph 
Ehrenman, John Ebener, Nicholas I'unck, Jacob Fisher, Peter 
Fetterhof, Ludwig Gauer, ITeronimus Greber, Christian Geh-. 
man, Leonard Gressemer, Jacob Gressemer, George Herbst, 
Daniel Haw, John Gregory, Pvichard Gregory, Fiancis Lusse- 
har, John Kunius, Benedict Leeser, Frantz Lussehar, Philip 
Lohr, George Lohr, Casper Leydecker, Moritz Lorentz, Jacob. 
Lebenguth, Casper Meyer, Christian Meister, David Meister, 
Henry Miller, Andrew Mauer, George Mastdel, Jacob Miller, 
Frederick Nestor, William Richard, Nicholas Nickour, George 
Rohrbach, Martin Rehr, John Schaurner, Nicholas Seitle, Fre-. 
derick Seller, Michael Schalle, A. Steinraann, Melchior Schultz, 
Martin Stertzman, Benedict Strohm, Christopher Schultz, Wolf 
Wolfgang, Jacob Stauffer, John Stapp, Andrew Schwartz, Pe- 
ter Schner, Jacob Fress, Jacob Fren, Jacob Frollinger, William 
Taunss, Melchior Weigner, Jost Wyant, Jacob Wetzel, Val- 
entine Weybel, WilKam Mayberry, Roland Young, Bernhard 
Young,. Baltzer Zimmermann, George Beyer, Henry Gable, 
Abraham Stauffer, Peter Wolf, Abraham Gehman, Henry 
Bortz, Philip Leydecker, Philip Neiss, Christian Kretter, Geo. 
Weigner, Philip Raush, Theodorus Schneider, John Schleiger. 
Hereford township has been reduced to its present limits and 
boundaries, by erecting Washington township, in 1839 — Ser 
Washington toicnship — it is bounded on the north-east by Le- 
high county, and the south-east by Montgomery county; on the 
south-west by Washington and District ; on the north-west by 
District and Long-swamp; length about four miles, mean 
breadth, not exceeding three miles; contains about twelve thou- 
sand acres of land ; generally hilly ; soil, gravel, naturally not 
fertile; but in some places rendered very productive. Shoub's 
mountam, near Lehigh county, is a striking feature of land-, 
scape. 

This township, by the principal and west branches of Per-. 
kiomin creek, which afford water power sufficient. There were 
in 1840, three forges, one fulling mill, one woollen factory, five 
grist mills, six saw mills, two oil mills, and several tanneries m 
this township. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 22-3 

There are several churches in this township; one Roman 
CathoHc, one belonging to the Schwenkfelders, and two com- 
mon to the German Reformed and Lutherans. 

Population in 1830, 1,716; 1840, 1,244; horses 316; 
horned cattle 883; sheep 506; swine 839; bushels of wheat 
raised 8,533; rye 11,835; corn 1,268; oats 11,338; huck- 
wheat 2,992; potatoes 6,402; tons of hay 1,130; pounds of 
wool 1,027; flax 1,021. Whole amount of valuation, on all 
articles made taxable for county purposes for 1844, $3411,301 ; 
amount of county tax $682 60 ; state tax $365 44. ' 



LONG-SWAMP TOWNSHIP, 

Long-swnmp township, was like all the townships contiguous 
to it — settled primitively by Germans. During the years, from 
1754 to 1763, it was the occasional scene of Indian barbari- 
ties. The following named persons resided here in 1756, and 
many of them nearly thirty years earlier: 

Bernhard Klein, Jacob Long, Valentine Dillingcr, .Jacob 
Harne, John Hess, Paul Hamrig, Michael Coller, Philip Finck, 
Adam Dietrich, Simon Moser, Adam Len, Rinchard Abends- 
cheim, Peter Bechtel, Jacob Stall, Bartel Kielfer, Peter Bucher, 
Baltas Klever, Martin Kerger, Philip Fenstermacher, Andrew 
Scherle, Mathias Fenstermacher, Adam Gery, Jacob Danner, 
Nicholas Schwartz, Daniel Schwartz, Christian Steinberger, 
Deobald Grub, Nicholas Mertz, Nicholas Schreter, Peter Mertz, 
Ludwig Haspelhorn, Henry Bollinger, Jacob Weimer, Adolph 
Mayer, Simon Loydecker, Augustin Speckler, Nicholas Gress, 
Christian Abendscheira, Bernhard Schweizig, Deobald Carl, 
John Diehl, Michael Smith, Baltas Trit, Adolph Arnold, Barn- 
hard Fegely, Christian Trevelstet, Michael Nothstein, Jacob 
Schenck, Andrew Same, Mathias Eigner, Peter Redler, Fried- 
rich Popenmayer, Joseph Bery, Valentine Fleck, Enos Nael, 
John Flammer, Henry Shefer, Michael Bievcr, Samuel Burger, 
Jacob Long, Philip Burger, Philip Dall, John Hilpert, Jacob 
Fenstermacher, Peter Klein, Michael Nietrauer, Frederick 
Helwig, Christian Hofman, Nicholas Helm, Lewis Nits, Peter 
Aller, Joseph Richard, Christian Reisinger, Martin Boger, 



«l» 



^36 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

George Kumph, John Kaufman, Philip Hene, Deobald Kleiii^. 
Adam Helwig, Mathias Eigner. 

Long-swamp is bounded on the north-east by Lehigh county 
south-east by Hereford township, south by District and Rock- 
land, north-w^est by Maxatawny; mean length about five miles, 
and breadth four and a half; containing nearly fourteen thousand 
acres of land, somewhat hilly, especially the north-eastern part, 
south of Little Lehigh river; the soil is partly limestone, and 
considerable gravel; but portions of it well cultivated. 

The tov>^nslup is principally watered by the tributaries- or 
sources of the Little Lehigh river ; and by a creek which rises 
near the line of Rockland towmship, and running about four 
miles and a half, it disappears near the Lehigh county line, and 
is lost in a limestone fissure. 

Mertztown, near the north-eastern corner of the township, 
is a small village, containing between twelve and fifteen dwel- 
lings, a tavern and store, a German Reformed and Lutheran 
church. Trexler's furnace is near the District township line. — 
There are several fine mills — six or seven in this township. 

Population in 1810, 998: 1820, 1,371; 1830,1,702; 1840, 
2,112. Horses 499; horned cattle 805; sheep 652; swine 
1,050; bushels of wheat raised 8,506; rye 13,284; corn 10,050; 
oats 11,130; buckwheat 2,318; potatoes 4,965; tons of hay 
671 ; pounds of wool 871 ; llax 876. Whole amount of valua- 
tion on all articles made taxable for county purposes in 1844, 
$485,671; amount of county tax 8661,73; gross amount of 
State tax, 8661 73. 



MAIDEN CREEK TOWNSHIP. 



Maiden creek township has its name from a considerable 
stream of that name, which crosses the township diagonally 
from its extreme northern point to its remotest southern bounds. 
The Indian name of the stream was Onteelaunee. Whence the 
name Maiden creek? In answer to the question, the following 
is plausible: "It is told, as a tradition, that the river called 
Schuylkill, by the Dutch, bore the Indian name Manajungy 
meaning the Mother, and the Onteelaunee, the Litth Daughter 
of the Great Mother; that is Maiden creek.'* 



HISTOliY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNT Its. 227 

The primitive settlers were Friends or Quakers ; upwards of 
seventy families resided in this township in 1738. Owing to a 
large emigration westward, their number has been decreased. 
The taxables in 1741, were seventy-five; at that period the 
township embraced a portion of what was afterwartl included 
in Ruscommanor. In 1757 the following taxables were re- 
turned by the assessor to the county commissioners: 

Francis Parvin, Esq., Francis Parvin, jr., Myrick »Starr, Jo- 
seph Burger, John Koch, Adam Mingle, Edward Mourn, Tho- 
mas Pearson, Mordecai Lee, James Jordan, Moses Starr, 
Thomas Lewis, Barnhard Unborn, William Penrose, Joseph 
Penrose, Richard Penrose, Mary Wily, George Fegler, Felty 
Keime, John Goonbord, Michael Arnold, John Reeser, John 
Fraufelter, Frederich Blat, John Hutton, James Hutton, Ste- 
phen Barnhard, Ulrich Hoy, Michael Doonkcl, Lewhard May- 
er, Christian Zugg, Jacob Lightfootj Thomas Kerby, Peter 
llodarmel, Rudolph High, Paul Rodarmel, Elias Reed, Moses 
Starr, jr., James Kees, Thomas Parvin, Frederick Hess, Philip 
Wax, Urban Shuttle, John High, John Finsher, Rudolph High; 
Benjamin Parvin, Owen Hughes, Jonathan Hughes, John Starr, 
Peter Nanhorn, Thomas Reed, Casper Strahl, John Barto, 
Stanly Xirby, Joseph Lightfoot, George Plot, Jeremal Starr, 
John Nanhorn. 

This township is bounded on the north by Windsor town- 
ship ; on the north-east by Richmond ; on the south by Rus- 
commanor and Alsaci; on the west by the vSchuylkill river^ 
dividing from Berne and Centre; mean length four miles and 
three-fourths; breadth four miles; containing thirteen thousand 
acres of first-rate level, limestone, and gravel land ; many por- 
tions of which is highly productive. This township has a good 
supply of water power from the Schuylkill, and its great trib- 
utary. Maiden creek, on which are five or six mills. 

There is a Friends meeting house, near the centre, on the 
•east side of Maiden creek, and a German Reformed and Luth- 
eran church, called Garndnt's church, near the northern boun- 
dary, about nine miles from Reading. The turnpike road to 
Sunbury passes, for the distance of four or five miles, parallel 
with the Schuylkill, through the township, and passes Maiden 
creek, over a wooden-covered bridge, of one arch. 

Leesport, laid out by Drs. l)arry and Young, in 1840, nine 
miles from Reading, is on the turnpike. It contains some twenty 



228 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTllSSi 

or twenty-five dwellings, a steam mill, and the usual handicralt 
of country villages. Efforts Avere making in 1844, to erect an 
Academy. 

Population in 1810, 918; 1820, 1,192; 1830, 1,350; 1840 
the number of inhabitants were 875 white males, 850 females, 
14 male colored persons, 8 females ; in all 1,747. Horses 131 ; 
cows 425; sheep 804; swine 679; bushels of wheat raised 
14,743; rye 8,527; corn 10,200; oats 11,184; buckwheat 
170; potatoes 11,130; tons of hay 492; pounds of wool 947. 
Whole amount of valuation on all articles taxable for county 
purposes $765,343; whole amount of county tax $1,530 68; 
gross amount of State tax $945 12. 



MAXATAWNY TOWNSHIP^ 



Maxatawny township — no doubt the inviting aspect of the 
country, and other considerations, induced many of the Germans, 
to settle here shortly after Penn's new purchase from the In- 
dians, in 1732. A few years after the erection of Berks, the 
number of taxables was rising of one hundred, among whom 
were the following in 1757, principally Germans :| 

Abraham Barling, Andrew Sassamanhausen, Adam Roads, 
Abraham Zimmerman, Anthony Fisher, Andrew Heck, Chris- 
tian Ruthj Charles Kern, Casper Smeck, Conrad Mane- 
smith, Conrad Boader Christian Wenner Durst Kershner, 
Daniel Levan, Deobald Wink, Deo bald Kemp, David Hutten- 
stein, Frederick De La Plank, (Delaplank,) Jacob Meyer, 
Daniel Ott, George Scheffer, George Sassamanhausen, George 
Roads, Geo. Baeder, Henry Wetstone, Henry Christ, Henry 
Luckenbill, Henry Hock, Joseph Liegfried, John Hergarather, 
John Hartman, John Beaver, John Bost, Jacob Levan, Julius 
Kerber, John Hill, Jacob Shoradin, John De Long, Jacob 
Roads, Michael Att, Michael Christman, Nicholas Harmany, 
Nuhiles Roads, Nicholas Musfel, Nicholas Queery, Peter 
Brann, Peter Shererj Philip Granel, Peter De Long, Paul Sho- 
radin, Sebastian Levan, Sebastian Zimmerman, Thomas Roads, 
Dietrich Biever, William Groose, Anthony Bensinger, Andrew 
Balich, Anthony Altman, Abraham Ely, Casper Killion, Chris- 
tian Shhnker, Christian Baum, Daniel Dosser, David Musgen- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 229 

ing, Daniel Young, Frantz Jacob Keill, George Esser, George 
Stibe, George Markle, Geo. Wild, Henry Lutz, Jacob Shaffer, 
Jacob Eaner, Jacob Fisler, John Miller, Jacob Miller, Jacob 
Wild brant, John Smaus, John PoU, Gustavus Urban, John 
Baner, John Hood, Leonard Saul, Michael Baner, Martin Sea, 
Martin Wanner, Michael Henninger, Michael Knebcl, Michael 
Andreas, Nicholas Schumacher, Philip Hahn, (Haun,) Peter 
Gross, Peter Sturtz, William Gross, Wm. Tj-autman, Jacob 
Kumerer, George Breinnig, Conrad Henninger, Valentine Stern- 
er, Philip Ruth, William Edleman, Adam Schebele, Wm. Wann, 
Frederick Hausman, Benedict Neidlinger, Peter Minich, Mi- 
chael Hide, Conrad Mesker, Jacob Stimmel, George Steinbach, 
George Selb, George Ifamberd, Jacob Grauel, George Etzler, 
Jacob De Long, Nicholas Boader, Joseph Gross, Andrew Heck, 
Abraham Dunkelberger. 

Maxatawny township is bounded on the north-east by Le- 
high county, south-east by Long-swamp township and Rock- 
land, south and south-west by Rockland and Richmond; and 
north-west by Greenwich township. 

Greatest length, five miles and a half; breadth, four miles 
and a half; forming an oblong, and containing nearly fifteen 
thousand acres of land, generally level, limestone and gravel 
soil, and very productive too; a great portion of it being in what 
is called Maxatawny valley, which is pronounced by competent 
judges, "a fertile vale of deep-soiled red shale and hmestone." 
Brown argillaceous iron ore occurs near Kutztown. 

This township is remarkable for being intersected by a score 
of roads in various directifdns. It is not so well supplied with 
water power as some townships in the county are. The prin- 
cipal stream, affording water power, is Sacony creek, a branch 
of Maiden creek, passing through the south-western part of the 
township, turning several mills as it seeks a northern direction 
towards Maiden creek; and Mill creek, a branch of Sacony, 
runs south-west for the distance of three miles in the township; 
there are several mills on this stream. There are several 
churches in this township, one in the southern part, and another 
at Kutztown, both common to the German Reformed and Lu- 
therans. 

Kutztown, on the west side of Sacony creek, in this town- 
ship, is a considerable f>ost village — a borough — having been in- 
corporated by an act of Assembly, March 1st, ISlo — situated 
20 



230 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

in Maxatawny valley, on the Allentown and Readine road^ 
being midway between both, and 17 miles from either. It con- 
tains about one hundred and twenty-five dwellings, with a 
population rising of seven hundred; several stores, taverns, an 
academy of advanced standing, and a church, as mentioned 
above. 

A certain gentleman, who spent a few days at this place, 
two years ago, in writing to a friend, speaking of Kutztown 
and vicinity, says: — "The peasantry are honest, hard-working 
Germans. Here they lock no doors. The congregations of 
diiferent sectarian faiths, worship in the same church on alter- 
nate Sundays. The church is filled with attentive people, and 
a very great proportion are communicants. They have an ex- 
cellent organ, made in this county. Preaching in German. It 
pains me to observe in every country church yard, the naked 
marble slabs, unsheltered by a single tree, and unadorned by a 
single shrub or flower." 

The following Revolutionary pensioners lived in this town- 
ship in 1840: Henry Grim, aged 75; Frederick Bower, 83; 
Jacob Wink, 82; Philip Noyes, 84; Christian Smick, 76. 

Population in 1810, 1,530; 1850, 1,845; 1830, 2,108; 1840, 
2,564; of these there were 1,330 males, and 1,264 females. — 
Horses 52s ; horned cattle 1,379; sheep 1,302; swine 1,872: 
bushels of wheat raised 28,556 ; rye 29,235 ; corn 17,946 ; oat5 
18,810; buckwheat 13,582; potatoes 12,190; tons of hay 
1,732; pounds of wool 1,434; flax 2,439. Whole amount of 
valuation on all articles made taxable for county purposes in 
1844, $844,700; whole amount of county tax, $1'686 40; 
gross amount of county tax, $1,08448. 



OLEY TOWNSHIP. 



Oley township was settled at an early period. On examining 
the Land Office, we find deeds for land in Oley, dated 1682, 
some time before William Penn, the Proprietary, left England 
for the Province. The farm now owned by Gideon Hoch, in 
the north-eastern part of this township, is part of a tract sold 
by William Penn to John Snashold, then both of England. Th« 
deed calls for five hundred acres — dated May 6, 1682, 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANOK COUNTIES. 231 

The farm owned by Daniel Bartolet, was conveyed by Wil- 
Uam Penn to Thomas Bond, the I7th and ISth of June, 1682. 
De Tirck, the maternal great grand-father of Bartolet, pur- 
chased it in 1721. 

The first settlers, it would appear, were French Huguenots, 
and some of their descendants, who located in Oley, between 
1704 and 1710. [See Chapter V.] The De Turks, who set- 
tled here in 1710 or 'll, were from Esopus, New York, where 
a number of Huguenots had settled, between 1650 and 1660. 
They had remained but a short time at Esopus. They came 
to America in the early part of the reign of Queen Ann, who 
ascended the throne in 1703; settled at Esopus, thence came to 
Oley, 1710:or '11. 

Several flimilies of Friends, or Quakers, settled in this town^ 
ship as early as 1713 or 1710. George Boone, a native of 
England took out a warrant, in 1718, for four hundred acres of 
land in Oley, then in Philadelphia county. And it is believed, 
that Arthur Lee, also a native of England, had previously 
settled to Boone's arrival. Lee's nearest neighbors were In- 
dians — who delighted to have him in their country, knowing 
the peaceable principles of the Friends; they never, molested 
him. Nay, rather ever manifested a strong disposition to de- 
fend him. Of this we have a striking instance, in an occur- 
rence, which has been handed down by tradition in the Lee 
family. The neighboring Indians having received intelligence 
that a hostile tribe was about making incursions into the set- 
tlements of the whites, came, by night, painted and equipped, 
to do the stern duty of war, to Arthur Lee's dwelling, and 
surrounded it. This formidable atfitude of the Indians, alarmed 
some of the inmates, especially the younger of them, who, to 
escape for life, made efforts to get out the house, but were 
prevented by the Indians, assuring them that their object in 
coming was to protect them against the assaults of hostile In- 
dians, and not to injure them. The Indians then inquired into 
the truth of report touching the hostile Indians; and being as- 
sured by Mr. Lee, that it was unfounded, they then, to mani- 
fest their joy at such news, fired their guns in the air, with a 
shoult of exultation — returned to their homes, instead of pro- 
ceeding against their red brethren, as had been their intention. 

After the Friends, and some Huguenots had settled here, the 
way was open for others of their persecuted brethren in France, 



232 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, 

In 1726 Jean Bartolet, a native of Chasteadeux, and family, 
embarked for America, and on his arrival, settled in Oley. 

Before leaving the country, whither he had fled from France, 
like an honest and religious man, he procured, as a good citi- 
zen, a certificate, showing that he did not leave his country 
without the consent of the proper authorities, as appears from 
the following original paper: 

Wir zu Endte Unterschriebenen Oberamtman der Hochfuer- 
stlichen Pfaltzgraefflichen Gemeinschaft Guttenberg, attestie- 
ren hiermit und in Kraft dieses Briefls dass Yorweiser dieses 
der wohlehrbare und bescheydene Jean Bertolet gebuertig von 
Chasteaudeux in der Schweitz Berner Gebiets, nebst seiner 
Hausfrau, sich seit vierzehn Jahren als bestandere des alhier 
gelegenen und hochloeblicher, Stiflts-Seltz gehoerigen Hoffs, 
fromm, ehrbar, aufrichtig, und redlich verhalten, und deiges- 
talten, wie es einem ehrlichen Manne geziemen will loeblicht 
aufFgefuehret, dass wir demselbcn, so w^ohl als dessen Haus- 
frau, andersters nichts dann alles Liebes und Gutes nachzusa- 
gen wissen; weylen nun diese beide Eheleute, nebst bey sich 
habenden fuenf Kindern um ihres verhoffenden bessern Nutzen 
imd Gelegenheit willen sich in das Neue Land oder Fennsylva- 
nien zu begeben und sich alda selbsten Ilaeuslich nieder zu 
lassen, gaentzlich entschlossen nnd gesinnt seynd. Als wir 
Maenniglicher Standes gebuehr respective gehorsam audi dien- 
ste und freundlichen ersuchet und gebetten bemelte Jean Bar- 
tolet nebst dessen-Hausfrau Susanna und fuenf Kindern nicht 
allein aller Orthen frey, sicher und ohngehindert passieren audi 
beyneben wegen ihres ruehmlichen Wohlverhalten alien Ger- 
ichten willen und Assistentz wiederfahren zu lassen, Einsolches 
seynd wir dergleichen Occasionem freundlichst zu senproeiren 
so erbiethig als bereit: Diessen zu wahren Urkundt habcn war 
nebst eigenhaendigen subscription unser gewoehnliches Paet- 
schafFt hieran gehenckt. So gegeben ira zwanzigsten Monaths 
Tag Apriles als man zaehlt ein Tausand sieben hundert zwan- 
zig und sechs. 

J. G. WiMPHFEN, 
NiCHOLATS ScHOENLEUCII. 

Anwald 

Hans Ehrhart, Sect des Gerlchts.^ 

V Oley township is remarkable in the annals of Pennsylvania, 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 23U 

as place for religious excitement, at an early period. A sin^ 
gular sect was started in Oley, headed by one Mathias Bow- 
man. Before his arrival in this country, there were some who 
professed to be impeccable; or having attained to a state of 
sinlessness ; they were, in their own estimation, perfect. They 
styled themselves "Mew Born." 

Mathias Bowman, who assumed the right as leader, was a 
native of Larashelm, Palatinate; born in 1701; and no doubt, 
having heard of the shepherdless few, embarked for America 
in 171 9. It is reported, he was an honest and sincere man — 
not very solicitous to accumulate wealth; but, this was not said 
of Peter Kilwain,* or Kuehlenwein, Yotter, and others of his 
followers — some of 'these loved the good things of the world 
inordinately-! 

Bowman's followers, as said, professed sinless perfection — 
boasted that thoy were sent of God to conform others. Their 
disputations were frequently heard in the market places of 
Philadelphia. On one occasion, Bowman, as empirics are wont 
to do, to show that his doctrine from God, proposed to walk 
across the Delaware river. 

Many of them were, as it ever was, and is to this day — Mil- 
lerites not excluded — enthusiasts, brainless fanatics, contentions, 
perfect babblers, wandering through the country, displaying a 
blind zeal for their doctrines — the whims and caprices of men, — 
by angrily controverting with all who differed from them in 
matters of faith. None, no matter how retired seemed to es-. 
cape the J^ew-Born leader; even Conrad Beissel, the founder 
of the Siehen Taegcr, was occassionally annoyed in his recluse 
situation, by Bowman and his disciples. 

From the following letter, written before Bowman's arrival 
in Oley, by one of his subsequent adherents, a female, in answer 
to a letter from a friend in Germany, will afford the reader 
some idea of the sentiments held by the New-Born.. The 
original, of which a copy is given, is still preserved. It is 
dated : 

Oley Townthip. 

May 14, 1718. 

"Ich gruesse euch alle hertzlich, Brueder, Schwestern, 
Schwaeger und Geschwistern, als, Freunde und Bekannte. Wir 

* Col, Rec. iii. 349. 
+ Chron. Ephra. 

20* 



234 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

haben euren Brief bekommen iind daraiis ersehen wir was ihr 
wissen wolt; aber das ist mir nun zu schlecht zu beantworten. 

" Ich will euch mein Weg kund thun wie es init mir stebt. — 
Ich bin nun in einem bessern Stand also ich, da ich draussen war ; 
hier hat mich der liebe Gott Suenden frei gcmacht, dass ich 
nicht mehr suendigen kann, und davor lobe ich ihn jetzt und in 
Ewigkcit. Ich babe mich zu Gott gchalten, so ist er zu mir 
kommen und hat Wohnung bei mir gemacht. 

"So ihr Lust habt mit mir die Neuegeburt zu geniessen, der 
muss seinen Sinn und Gedanken von alien Dingen, von der 
Welt abziehen, und nichts mehr suchen als Gott alkin, und an- 
halten mit Beten und Seufzen, Tag und Nacht, dass ihn Gott 
moege neugebaehren, und so er es getreu raeinet so wird der 
Mensch Wunder erfahren. 

" Menschen ruehmen sich Christen, und wissen nicht v/assdie 
Neugeburt ist. Die Neugeburt ist der neue Stein dass Niemand 
weiss war er ist, als der ihn bekomt. 

"In Pennsj'lvanien zu reisen ist nicht der werth so wir in 
Suenden seyn. Wer %yeis es ob man hahinkoemmt! Diemeisten 
Menschen muessen Krankheiten ausstehen, und viele gar den 
Tod, und hier in Pennsylvanien ist sowohl Unruhals draussen; 
ist es nicht vom Krieg, so ist etv/as nnders das uns nicht gefa- 
ellet, 

"Die Menschen vrerden in der Welt keine Ruhe finden, sie 
moegen hingehen wo sie woUen. Bey Gott ist Ruhe und s( nst 
an keinem andern Ort. Gedenket ihr nach einem andern so 
seyd ihr unruhig, und also auch hier in America; wann einer 
aber Suendenfrey ist so mag einer reisen oder dorten bleiben, 
dan hat er den besten Schatz bey sich, und ist zufrieden wo er 
ist und had Vergnuegcn an seinera Schatz in der ganzen Welt. 

"Lehrer und Zuhoerer sind alle keine Christen den sie sind 
Suender, und Christus ist kommen die Suenden wegzunehmen 
Wer dan nicht Suendenfrey ist dem ist Christus noch nicht in 
die Welt gekommen. Alle Lehrer in der ganzen Welt die 
nicht Suendenfrey sind gemacht, und nicht mehr suendigen ko- 
ennen, das sind falsche Lehrer, sie moegen sein frcmm oder boes. 
Es gilt nichts ira Reiche Christi, als Christus selber. Wer den 
nicht hat der ist nicht seyn, und wo er ist, da ist man Suen- 
denfrey. 

"Ich gruesse euch nocheinmal alle herzlich. Gedenket was 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIE>!. 235 

ich euch habe kund werden lassen, und nehmet es zu herzen, 
es soil euch besser seyn als alle Dioge in der Welt. 

Maria de Ti|jrk, 
Gebohrne De Ileroken. 

In connection with the above letter, and from an extract ot 
the Hallischc J\'achrichten, the views of the JVeic-Born may be 
learnt. The Rev. Muhlenberg says, in p. 227, Hal. Nach. 
"Junii 10,1747, reisete ich von Neuhanover ab; kehrte 8 
raeile von dem Ort bey einera alten so genannttn Nengebornen 
ein, welcher vor zwanzig und etlichen Jahrcn eine Wit we ge- 
heurathet, und mit derselben 5 Kinder gezeugct, welche mir 
die Mutter in den ersten Jahren, erwachsen, zum Unterricht 
und heiliger Taufe, wieder des Vaters Willen, uebergab, und 
deswegen von ihrem Manne vieles leiden musste. 

Der alte mann giebt vor dass er in der Pfalz neugeboren sey. 
Die Kennzeichcn solcher Geburt erstreckcn sich aber nicht wel- 
ter -nach seiner oft wiederholtcn Aussage, als dass er sich von 
der Reformirten Kirche und den Sacramentcn separi iert, und 
dem damals zur Regierung gekommenen Churfuersten nicht 
den Eid der Treue ablegen wollte, worueber er nebst andern 
vor das Consistorium gefordert, auch rait Gefiiengniss belegt, 
und seiner Meinung nach, um C'hristi und der Wahrheit willen 
verfolgret worden. Er nimt wedcr vernuenftio-en Beweis, noch 
die hoehere Oifenbarung nach alien Theilcn und ihren ganzen 
Inhalt an; laesset sich auch niclit belehren, wel er vcm Schwa- 
chem Verstand, halstarii'j-em Ei^enwillen und stuermcnden Af- 
fecten ist, und die Pennsylvanische Freiheit zum Schaden 
missbraucht. 

Nachdem er bier ins Land gekommen, hat er sich mit einifjen 
vereiniget, welche Secte den Namen der Jfeugehornen tragen. 
Dieselbe giebt eine Neugeburt vor, welche sie durch unmittel- 
bare Einsprache, Erscheinungen vora Hiramel, Traeume und 
dergleichen, ploetzlich erlangen. Wenn sic die Neugeburt auf 
solche Weise bekommen; so sind sie ihrer Einbildung nach, 
Gott und Christus selber, koennen nicht mehr suendigen noch 
irren. Daher gebrauchen sie von dem heiligen Wort Gottes 
nicht mehr, als eben dasjenige, was ihren falschen Seckten zu 
favorisiren scheint. Die heiligen Sacramenten sind ihnen lap- 
cherlich, und ihre Ausdruecke von denselben hoechst aegerlich. 

Oley township is also further remarkable for several Mora- 



236 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

vian Synods held in it, shortly after the arrival of Count Zin- 
zendorf. 

Towards the close of the year 1741, Count Zinzcndorf came 
to Pennsylvania; shoitly after his arrival he sent Gotlieb Buett- 
ner to visit a Moravian minister, the Rev. Ranch, at Sheko- 
ineko,* to invite him to attend a synod about to be held under 
the auspices of the Count, whose object in coming to America 
was to enquire into the general condition of the Christians, ina- 
part instruction, and give directions to his brethren. Buett- 
ner, on his arrival at Shekomeko, found some fruits of Rauch's 
labors, which was cause of considerable joy to him; here he 
tarried some eight or ten days among the sons of the forest, and 
preached to them, January 14, 1742; he preached to thirty- 
two Indians, from these words : " He hath delivered us from 
the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom 
of his dear son." 

The time having arrived to repair to the Synodical meeting, 
they made ready to depart ; the Indians hearing that their 
spiritual instructors were about leaving, three of them, Shabash, 
Seim. and Kiop, obtained permission to accompany them. — 
They left Shckomeko, January 22d, on foot, but being in com- 
])any with Indians, were refused admittance at some inns, on 
their way to Philadelphia, via which they went to Oley, where 
they arrived the 9th of February, and met Count Zinzendorf, 
"and many laborers and ministers of various denominations as- 
sembled together." The appearance of the three Indian visiters, 
whose hearts were filled with the graceof.Iesus Christ and the 
love of God, made a deep impression upon all present. Soon 
after their arrival, a party of Delav;are Indians came to see 
them, to wd)om they immediately spoke of Jesus Christ, their 
God and Saviour. They likewise declared to their brethren 
how much they wished for baptism. Having received the gos- 
pel with a believing heart, been faithfully instructed in the doc-r 
trine of salvation, and earnestly desiring to obtain mercy and 
pardon in the blood of Jesus ; the synod first declared them 
candidates for baptism, and then resolved, without delay, to ad- 
minister holy baptism to thera in the presence of this whole 
assembly." 

The 11th of February was the day appointed for this ?o- 
lem act — it was a day, says Loskiel, never to be forgotten In 

* On the borders of Connecticut. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBAON COUNTIES. 237 

the annals of missions. The awful presence of Him, who has 
promised to meet with his own, was powerfully felt — the great- 
est solemnity prevailed, and the spirit of God was sensibly felt, 
during the morning exercises, which consisted of prayer, and 
praising the Father of all in spiritual song. Here, as in the 
days of yore, when the sons of God met, Satan was also pre- 
sent, especially in his devoted servants ; for while the humble 
believers were engaged in preparatory exercises to baptize the 
contrite Indians, " some ill-disposed people coming from the 
neighborhood, raised such disturbance, that the whole company 
was upon the point of dispersing, and postponing this tran- 
saction for the present. However, peace and quietness being 
happily restored, there was a solemn meeting in the afternoon, 
in which Rauch and Buettner were ordained deacons by the 
two bishops, David Isitchman and Couut Zinzendorf. After 
this act, preparations were made in a barn belonging to De 
Tirk — (or Van Dirk, as it is wa-itten in German.) There was 
no church in Oley at this time. In this barn the above named 
Indians were baptised by Christian Henry Ranch, the mission- 
ary from Shekomeko. " The whole assembly being met, the 
three catechumens were placed in the amidst, and with fervent 
prayer and supplication, devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ, as 
his eternal property ; upon which Rauch, with great emotion of 
heart, baptised these three hrstlings of the North American 
Indians into the death of Jesus, in the name of the Father, and 
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, calling Shabash, jVoi-aham ; 
Seim, Isaac; Kiop, Jacob."^'' 

The same writer continues, and says, "The powerful sensa- 
tion of the grace of God, which prevailed during this sacred 
transaction, filled all preseut with awe and joy, and the effect 
produced in the baptised Indians, astonished every one. Their 
hearts were filled with such rapture, that they could not keep 
silence, but made known to all the white people who came into 
their hut, what great favor had been bestowed upon them. — 
They preached a whole night to a party of Delaware Indians, 
who were in the neighborhood, and by the ]->rovidence of God 
were just at that time led to return back to Oley. When one 
ceased the other began, and their animated testimony of Jesus 
filled their hearers with admiration. Soon after this, they set 
out with Rauch, went first to Bethlehem, and having spent 
* Loskiel's His. Miss., Part 2,'p. 21. 



238 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, 

some days with their brethren to mutual edification, they pro-? 
ceeded on their journey, full of spiritual life, in the company of 
their beloved teacher. When they came home, they testified 
to all their relations and friends, of the grace bestowed upon 
them by God, and their words made an abiding impression in 
the minds of the heathen," 

In 1757, the following were taxables in this township: 
Conrad Rife, Samuel High, John Lisher, John De Turk, 
Samuel Guklin, Anthony Hunter, John Lee, Jonathan Harpine, 
W. Kelbach, John High, Abi'aham Levan, Lazarus Weidner, 
Dietrich Weidner, Nicholas Lisher, .lacob Keim, WilJiamPott, 
Peter Lobach, Jacob Yoder, John Yoder, sen., Gabriel Boyer, 
Jacob Kaufman, John Yoder Yost, Casper Grismer, I'^icLo'as 
Hunter, George Dollinger, Jacques De La Plank, (JarnesDela- 
plank, Valentine Hufnagle, Benjamin Hufnagle, Elias Hufna- 
gle, Peter Ereil, Peter Hcrple, Thomas Lee, Samuel Lee, 
Abraham Pjartolet, Jacob Stover, Isaac Eardo, Abraham Peter, 
John Hill, John Frederick, David Weiser, John Pott, Frederick 
-i3ariolet, John Hunter, Benjamin Longaworthy, W. Richards, 
Martin Slaugenhans, Valentine Young, George Schits, Michael 
Knob, Jacob Schneider, Henry Sheiter, Peter Harpine, W. 
Yonkman, Frederick Leinbach, John Leinbach, Conrad Fisher, 
George VVindbigler, John Great, Adam Eoligh, John I\Iarke, 
Melchior Ivloyer, John Holly, Simon Kepler, Nicholas Shoe- 
maker, William Collins, Frederick Colhns, Henry Kerson, Mi- 
chael Regleitor, Peter Catzenmoyer, Frederick Hill, Jacob 
Stots, George Kalteisen, Adam Michel, Philip Hartzman, 
Christian Sammet, Christopher Kentner, Christopher Gerhart, 
Valentine Huff, Jacob Byder, William Byder, Francis Kirling, 
Jonas W^eaver, George Wicker, Christopher Fur, John Zook, 
Jeremiah Channel, George Brown, Jacob Karner, Jacob Omin- 
settle, Michael Brush, Philip Hartman, John Dewalt, (Dewald) 
Jacob Seary, Anthony Kempfer, Henry Neukirch, sen., Jacob 
West, Stephan Repperts, Mordecai Ellis, Martin Schenckel, 
Mordecai Elhs, Samuel Gulden, Daniel Gulden, George Mi- 
chel, George Yaeger, Jacob Yoder, George Kerstner, John 
Herger, Peter Knobb, John Knobb, Jacob Weisner, George 
Sjnsinger, Joseph Lauch, Jacob Hassinger, Matthias Mosser, 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 239 

Peter Read, John High, Ludwick Marburger, George Kleim, 
Henry Fonal. 

This township is bounded north by Rockland and Pike ; east 
by Earl; south by Amity and Exeter; and on the west by Al- 
sace and Ruscommanor; mean length five miles; breadth four 
and a half; contains thirteen thousand six hundred acres of land, 
generally very level, and principally first rate limestone, — 
some in a very high state of cultivation. The averao-e value 
of land, from thirty to sixty-five dollars per acre; watered by 
the sources of JNIanokisy and Manatawny creeks. It contains 
a score of mills, one furnace, two forges, and three churches — 
both splendid edifices — near Manatawny creek. The one be- 
longs to the German Reformed, (some of w-hom are the descen- 
dants of Huguenots) and the other belongs to the Lntherans; 
and one in which the Evangehcal Association holds meetino-s. 

Friedensburg, in this township, is a small village of some ten 
or fifteen houses; some of them built of stone. It contains a 
store and tavern. 

Population in 1810,1,274; 1820, 1,410; 1830,1,469; 1840, 
1,875 ; horses 458 ; horned cattle 1,479 ; sheep 865 ; swine 
1,102; bushels of wheat raised 19,747; rye 13,648; corn 
27,800; oats 34,252; buckwheat 1,366; potatoes 7,092; tons 
of hay 1,783; pounds of wool 1,533; flax 1,675. Whole 
amount of valuation on all articles taxable for coimty purposes 
for 1844, $875,815; whole amount of county tax, 8l,75l 63 ; 
gross amount of State tax, $1,283 59. 



RICHMOND TO-WTvrSHIP. 

Richmond township was organized shortly after the erection 
of the county, lying partly within the same vale of Maxatawnv, 
was also settled at an early period, and by the same class of 
persons, honest and industrious Germans. 

In 1768, the following taxables resided in this township: 
Stophel Teischer, Abraham Keis^, Adolph Peter, Andrew 
Millegle, Balthaser Rehm, Christian Denoher, Christian Schk- 
gel, Christian Rodarmel, Christian Schick, Conrad Miller, Cas- 



240 History of berks and Lebanon counties. 

per Merkle, Chas. Hellen, David Oehly, Daniel Hocli, David 
Kemp, Frederick Hill, George Sheffer, George Michael Wine- 
man, George Merkle, George Old, George Folk, George Nutz, 
Henry Kelchour, Henry Keisraer, Heniy Orthly, Henry Dil- 
boren, Henry Jjorghardt, John Rodarmel, Jacob Treibelbiss, 
John George Merkle, Joakin Sleisly, Jacob Shoemaker, John 
Glass, Jonas Resler, Joseph Luler, Michael Reeber, Michael 
Wilhelm, Michael Keneher, Melchior Fritz, Michael Kepler, 
Melchior Braun, Nicholas Keiser, Peter Bull, Peter Spohn, 
Peter DeJlborn, Peter Merkle,1Vter Greenwalt, Philip Sohns, 
Philip Hedrick, Theobald Biber, Valentine liussman, Vincent 
Lescher, Geo. Michael Derr, Henry Conrad, Kicholas Raush, 
Frederick Brown, Christian Hoffman, John Andreas Reh, Geo. 
Zerr, John Mering, John Adam Schelkop, Nicholas Mauckly, 
Michael Dieber, George Merkle, Jacob VVanner, Peter Krob, 
Michael Grist, Philip Grob, Nicholas Barou, Christian Rink, 
Michael Gellinger. 

Richmond is bounded on the north by Greenwich ; on the east 
by Maxatawny; south by Rockland and Ruscommanor; south- 
west by Maiden creek, and west by Windsor township. Mean 
length five miles, and breadth four, containing tw^elve thousand, 
four hundred and eighty acres of land, generally pretty level ; 
gravel and limestone soil of a superior quality, and well culti- 
vated. Brown argdaccous iron ore occurs at Mosekm ; it is 
extensively mined, and affords ore for Hunter's Furnace on 
Moselem creek. Sacony, Maiden creek, and Moselem creek, 
all afford water power. There are four or five mills in this 
township ; three churches ; the Moselem church was erected in 
1761. 

There are several villages in this township; Coxtown, in the 
extreme south part of the township, w^as laid out about fifty 
years ago by one Cox, whose name it bears; there are two stores 
and two taverns in it, and the usual handicraft. Walnut town, 
a few miles west of Cox town,, has some eight or ten houses, 
Virginsville consists of half a dozen houses, two taverns and 
a store. 

There is a remarkable natural curiosity in this township. It 
is called the Dragon's cave. It has been described by a gen- 
tleman of Berks county. "The entrance to the cave," he 
says, " is on the brow of a hill, in the edge of a cultivated field. 



HiStORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 242 

Passing into it, the adventurer descends about fifty yards by a 
rough narrow passage, and then turns to the left .at an acute 
angle with the passage hitherto pursued. After proceeding 
about thirty yards farther, he enters the great chamber, about 
fifty feet long, twenty wide, and fifteen to twenty feet high, in 
a rock of limestone. Near the end of this chamber, opposite to 
the entrance, is the altar, a large mass of Stalactile, which 
rings under the hammer, and is translucent. Formations of 
Stalactile are found in other parts of the cave, though none so 
large as the mass just mentioned." 

Population in 1810, 971 ; 1829, 1,135; 1830, 1,550; 1840, 
2,006. Horses 383; horned cattle 911; sheep 800; swine 
1,440; bushels of wheat raised 19,715; rye 16,177; corn 17,- 
980; oats 25,125; buckwheat 2,050; potatoes 6,498 ; tons of 
hay 1,469; pounds of wool 1,579; flax 2,448. Whole amount 
of valuation on all articles made taxable for county purposes in 
1844, $519,272; whole amount of county tax $1,158 54; 
gross amount of State tax ^?734 75, 



ROBESON TOWNSHIP. 

Robeson toicnship was settled at an early period. Among 
its first and principal settlers, were the Friends or Quakers.-^- 
These were Gains Dickinson, John Scarlet, and Peter Thomas — 
all Friends, and who settled when the country was a wilder- 
ness. 

Little has been preserved of the first settlers, of interest. — 
Our friend, T. E. Lee, of Exeter, has furnished the following: 
"Thomas," says Lee, "was in the habit of turning out his 
cattle to browse upon the bushes, and sending a boy and girl 
in the evening to collect them; one evening, the dark shades 
began to spread gloom over the forest, but they did not return. 
The old man, like the father of Saul, left caring for the cattle, 
and cared only for the children. He set off in search of them, 
and proceeding along a path through the thick woods for a 
distance, he met the children returning, while the wolves and 
bears were howling around them." 

Among the early, or first settlers of this township, may be 
named, Thomas Ellis, of Wales, William Morris, Mordecai 
21 



S42 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

and Thomas Ellis; John, George, and Thomas Boone, of Eng'* 
land; John, William, and Edward Hugh, of Wales; John-;^ 
James, Joseph, Benjamin, and Samuel Webb, of England. ' 
In 1756, the following persons were assessed as taxables: 

Michael Kern, John Scarlet, James Bird, Arnold Sheafer,- 
Jacob Redcay, Peter Licken, John Griffith. George Sower, 
Gerhart Dewees, John Howman, David Jarred, Thos. ThomaSy 
Ephraim Jackson, Owen Humphrey, Owen Long, David Thom- 
as, Edward Goff, George Dykes, Enos Ellis, George Donhow-er, 
Adam Bedenhower, John Williams, William Northen, Gaius 
Dickenson, Philip Hoyle, Melchior Swisher, Christian Treat, 
Henry Reicher, Stephen Doughty, Elias Redcay, John Sheaver, 
John Evans, George Wendle, Baltzer Schneider, Nicholas Mil- 
ler, Jones Liken, Conrad Moore, James Thomas, Jenkin Mor- 
ris, James Cadwallad^ Sebastian Harleman, John Philips, Wil- 
liam Harvot, John HoUem, Felty Ems, Henry Pennybecker, 
Felty Haun, Josiah Boone, Michael Miller, Michael Snousser, 
Chri-stian Ehrgott, Anthony Bernhard, Daniel Bane, Christian 
Keiger, Jacob Bechtel, Philip Hart, Michael Kern, Israel 
Robinson, Benjamin Williams, Samuel Overholtzer, Adam 
Staut, Jacob Koch, Richard George, Robert Morris, Ellis 
George, David James, Edward George. 

Robeson township is bounded oi>. the north-east by the 
Schuylkill river, separating it from Exeter township; on the 
east by Union township and Chester county ; on the south by 
Cffirnarvon; on the south-west by Brecknock, and north- wesj 
by Cumru. Mean length, six miles and a quarter; breadth, 
five; containing twenty-one thousand acres of land, of a very 
ordinary quality, naturally hilly. It is watered by the Alle- 
gheny creek^ and Hay creek, on both of which, are forges, and 
several mills. There are two churches in this township, and 
a Friends meeting house. 

Population in 1810, 1,807; 1820, 2,2065; 1830, 1,970; 
1840, 1,965; of these there were white males, 971; females 
963; colored males 17; females 14. Horses 422; horned cat- 
tle 1,304; sheep 830; swine 810; bushels of w'heat raised 
7,229; rye 14,120; corn 20,691; oats 1,505; buckwheat 1,360; 
potatoes 9,997; tons of hay 1,270; pounds of wool 1,106; flax 
1,621. Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxa^- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES 243 

fele for county purposes in 1844, $424,444; whole amount of 
county tax $648 88 ; gross amount of state tax $470 22. 



ROCKLAND TOWNSHIP. 

Rockland township was settled at the time those were by 
which it is bounded, and by a similar class of persons, nine- 
tenths of whom were Germans. In 1757, the following were 
its taxables : 

John Albrecht, George Angstadt, John Angstadt, Charles 
Bernhard, Nicholas Blatner, Jacob Boger, Philip Berminger, 
Nicholas Benninger, John Bot, William Bot, Conrad Bair, Ja- 
cob Boral, Casper Bicking, Mathias Beck, Peter Breifogel, 
Ludwig Brem, Nicholas Clementz, Michael Dressier, Melcbior 
Donner, Henry De Long, William Dabitsch, Jacob Dreg, Ni- 
cholas Debb, Dcobald Drumheller, John Eck, Peter Ernst, 
Jacob Ellinger, George Fleck, William Folck, Peter Folck, 
George Helher, Christian Henry, Frederick Hersch, Jacob 
Hoffman, George Hoffman, Peter Luder, Nicholas Jacobi, Mi- 
chael Kerber, Michael Klein, Peter Klassmoyer, Andreas Krett, 
Simon Kerber, Jacob Krebs, Jacob Keim, Michael Keim, Peter 
Lobach, Henry Long, Nicholas Long, Ludwig Long, Michael 
Long, John Moll, Henry Mertz, Nicholas Moyer, Geo. Ober- 
dorfi', Peter Ruflf', sen., Peter Ruff, jr., Lorentz Berig, Casper 
Rap, Peter Remer, Frederick Reish, Conrad Roth, Casper 
Rubbert, Ludwig Roiizanner, Henry Showash, Christian Shu- 
raachir, George Schumachir, Frederick Schackler, John Scheu- 
erer, George Scheffer, George Seibert, (Seuwert) Frederick 
Ubrick, Adam Wagner, AdamWecht, Jacob Ziegemfuss, Hen-s- 
ry Mertz, Herman Emrich, George Reif, Jacob Hefner, Peter 
Kieffer, Michael Jacobi, Peter Anstat, Michael Scheffer, Chris- 
tian Kolb, Ludwig Bitting. 

Rochland is bounded as follows, at present. Some slight 
alterations in the boundary having been made within a few 
years. It is bounded on the north by Maxatawny township ; 
on the north-east by Long-swamp ; on the east by District ; 
south-east by Pike; on the south by Oley; on the west by 
Ruscoramanor ; and north-west by Richmond ; mean length five 
iniles; tjreadth four ; containing twelve thousand acres of land; 



244 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

rather hilly, gravel soil, and indifferently cultivated. With a 
little care, as to rotation of crops, and the application of vege- 
table and mineral manures, it might be rendered productive. It 
is not well watered ; still there are several mills, one furnace, 
and two forges, in this township. 

There is some iron ore in this township, from which the fur- 
nace is supplied. There is one church in this township, com- 
mon to the Lutherans and German Reformed. 

Population in 1810, 1,026; 1820, 1,131; 1830, 1,342 
822 white males, 825 females, 3 colored males and 5 females 
Total, 1,655; horses 252; horned cattle 581; sheep 591 
swine 871; bushels of wheat raised 4,380; rye 9,511; corn 
8,382; oats 6,387; buckwheat 1,923; potatoes 5,986; tons of 
hay 653; pounds of wool 1,027; flax 1,710. Whole amount 
of valuation on all articles made taxable by law for county 
purposes, for 1844, $289,907; amount of county tax $579 81. 
Whole amount of valuation for state purposes, on all articles 
made taxable for county purposes, excepting trades, occupa- 
tions and professions, above $200, for statepurposes, $265 17; 
gross amount of state tax, $312 80. 



E.USC0MMAN0R TOWNSHIP. 

Rusconmmnor township, like all the adjacent townships, was 
beginning to be settled between the years 1732 and 1745, As 
early as 1749, the following were landholders within this 
township : 

David Foil, Andrew Brenst, John Miller, John Wilkhammer, 
Adam Shumble, John Wilhams, Conrad Bruse, Jacob Perteller, 
Yost Waggoner, Martin Spiegelmeuer, Martin Nerr, Frederick 
Sprung, Embrich Billiar, Mathias Beck, Peter Rise, Philip 
Miller, John Fogell, Derick Swath, Derick Long, Mathias 
Rhole, George Angstad, Peter Crell, John Shous, George Hef- 
ner, Casper Burk, John Sharaber, Jacob Mickle, Peter Hidle- 
man, Felty Becker, Jacob Libhart, Jacob Siraer, Ulrich Becker, 
Philip Smith, Christian Shoemaker, Jacob Ely, Bastian Garn- 
ard, Ber. Fogle, Peter Rise. 

It is almost a matter of astonishment that this portion of 
Berks should have been thus early and densely settled, when it 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 345 

is considered that the soil is of the most ordinary kind, and the 
surface hilly. About the year 1760, the number of taxables 
had almost doubled itself from 1740, to that period. 

Ruscommanor is bounded on the north by Richmond, north-, 
east by Rockland, on the east by Oley, south-west by Alsace, 
and north-west by Maiden creek; contains about ten thousand 
acres of ordinary, and hilly land ; soil gravelly, and very indif- 
ferently cultivated — much room for improvement. 

There are one or two villages in this township. Pricetown, 
laid oul by Conrad Price nearly seventy years ago; contains 
twenty-five houses — one store and two taverns. Population 
16o. 

Speachtown, a village with seven houses and twenty-five 
inhabitants — this place was laid out between thirty and forty 
years ago, by a certain Boarsmith. There are three or four 
grist mills in this township. 

Population in 1801, 932; 1820, 1,056; 1830, 1,243; 1840, 
1,189 : horses 88; horned cattle 222; sheep 247; swine 288 ; 
bushels of wheat raised 1,502; rye 2,943 ; corn 2,465; oats 
2,958 ; buckwheat 337 ; potatoes 2,970 ; tons of hay 253 ; 
pounds of wool 477 ; flax 458. Whole amount of valuation 
on all articles made taxable for county purposes in 1844, 
$227,528 ; county tax $455 05 ; e-ross amount of State tax 
$258 90. 



TULPEHOCKEN TOWNSHIP. 

Tidpehocken township was so named after a tribe of Indians 
called Turpyhockin, who inhabited this region of country, 
whose chief was named Manangy, called the Indian chief on 
Schuylkill. This region of country is respectively mentioned 
in the Provincial Record of Pennsylvania. It appears to have 
been a place of thorough pass, from an Indian village, called 
Peixtan, on the Susquehanna, to Philadelphia. 

We find that in 1707, that one Nicole, French and Indian 
trader, was apprehended by persons, sent by government at 
Peixtan, and carried to Philadelphia, via Turpyhocken. — 
" Martin went again to Peixtan, and brought Nicole where we 
we lay in concealed, and asking him to drink a dram, he seized 

21* 



246 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

him; but Nicole started from him, and run for it, when imme- 
diately we started out and took him, and presently carried him 
to the village (Peixtan) through which we were obliged to 
pass ; and there we found some Indians, with guns in their 
hands, who looked much displeased at what we had done ; but 
being in readiness against any surprise, they thought it not fit 
to attempt any thing. Here we staid about half an hour, and 
then parted for Turpyhocken — having mounted Nicoli on a 
horse, and tied his legs under the belly, we got within a mile 
of Turpyhocken at about two of the clock. On Friday morn- 
ing, about seven, the governor w^ent to the town, from thence 
we went to Manatawny that night, and the next day to Phila- 
delphia."* 

The first white settlers were Palatines, who had emigrated 
from New York, of whom a general notice has been given, 
when speaking of the first settlers in Heidelberg tov/nship, to 
v/hich the reader is referred. 

John Adam Diffebach, Christian Lovv-er, John Spycker, Ja- 
cob Lederman, Jacob Fisher, John Soller, Jacob Sorbert, Fran- 
cis Wenrich, Ulrich Schwartz, Stephen Conrad, Conrad Sherf, 
John Livergood, Peter Sanns, Adam Stein, John Edwards, 
George Null, Jacob Livergood, Francis Parvin, Henry Seller, 
Ludowick Ansbach, George King, Peter Krieger, John Weis- 
er, Peter Lebo, Christopher Weiser, George Beistein, Jacob 
Ketterman, Peter Ansbach, Michael Ried, Herman Walborn, 
Frederick Reed, George Landauer, Henry Boj^er, Martin Stip, 
Abraham Lauch, Peter Serby, Casper Reed, (Ritt) Peter Reed, 
Lenard Rees, Adam Lesh, Philip Brown, Peter Shever, Felty 
(Onroo) Unruth, John Fohrer, Christopher Reiser, John Traut- 
man, ]\Iichael Detweiler, Nicholas Kinser, John Moir, Henry 
Stein, Christian Moir, George Sherman, Peter Keephart, Wil- 
liam Keyser, George Jacob Sherman, Gottfried Rohrer, Jacob 
Holfman, Mathias Doebler, George Wolf, Bartel Dissinger, 
George Tollinger, Jacob Reed, Frederick Kaufman, Christian 
Frank, Rudolph Moir, Michael Kofner, George Brosius, Jacob 
Bortner, Jacob Casert, Casper Reed, Christopher Ulrich, Jo- 
hann Jacob Snebly, Mathias Bricker, John Pontius, Peter Cri- 
ser, Daniel Lucas, William Keyser, Philip Gebhart, George 
Ulrich Fisher, William Dieler, Jacob Miller, Jacob Hubelor, 

* Col. Rec, ii., p. 405. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 247 

Jacob Wilhelm, Jacob Bartner, Nicholas Oily, John Hover- 
shen, Simon Scherraan, John Riegel, Jacob Schwaner, Henry 
Millberger, Wolf Miller, George Paffinberger, Geo, Kantrico, 
Daniel iVIoir, Martin Schell, Adam Jordan, Jacob Tantor, Ja- 
cob Fullman, Mathias Noffziger, John George Meirslem, Jacob 
Miller, Simon Bogenreif, Andrew Wollinbeck, George Goty- 
man, Henry Reidenbach, John Baltzer Shever, Valentine 
Brindseil, Martin Warner, William Brath, Gottfried Fitler, 
Peter Mink, Casper Stump, Mathias Wagner, Nicholas Ham- 
ber, Nicholas Miller, George Weaver, Philip Meade, John 
Philip Bunger, George Christ, Conrad Wirth, Conrad Reber, 
Valentine Bungardner, Nicholas Lang, Frederick Stap, Valen- 
tine Neu, Christian Kurtz, John Ebberts, Michael Albert, Tho- 
mas Kern, Mathias Shefer, John Ridnorc, Jacob Stough, John 
George Mats, Wilham Sassaman, Adam Rehm, Johan Adam 
Weaver, Peter Laux, Jacob Houksvert. 

This, like many other tovv'nshlps, was the scene of Indian 
massacres, as may be seen on examining the third chapter of this 
book. Here I will insert one of many soul-stirring stories of 
Indian massacres, which we find in the Halhsche Nachrichten. 
This is from the pen of the Rev. Muhlenberg, the great apos- 
tle of Ameiican Lutheranism. " It may teach us, says a cer- 
tain writer,* alike to appreciate the security of our worship, 
and the better cost at which our fathers provided for it, may 
teach us that we are reaping the fruits of their sweat and 
blood." The case was that of a man whose two grown 
daughters had attended a course of instruction by Mr. Muh- 
lenberg, and been solemnly admitted by confirmation to the 
communion of the church. 

" This man afterwards went with his family some distance 
into the interior, to a tract of land which he had purchased. — 
When the war with the Indians broke out, he removed his 
family to his former residence, and occasionally returned to his 
farm, to attend to his grain and cattle. On one occasion he 
went, accompanied by his two daughters, to spend a few days 
there, and bring away some wheat. On Friday evening, after 
the wagon had been loaded, and every thing was ready for 
their return on the morrow, his daughters complained that they 

* Dr. S. S. Schmucker, see lie Pasa EHlcsia, pp. .38-3, .386, by /. D. 
Rufp, published by James Y. Humphreys, Phila., 1844. 



248 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

felt anxious and dejected, and were impressed with the idea 
that they were soon to die. They requested their father to 
unite with them in singing the familiar German funeral hymn, 
Wer Weiss wie nahe mein Ende? " Who knows how near my 
end may be?" — after which they commended themselves to 
God in prayer, and retired to rest. 

" The hght of the succeeding morn beamed upon them, and 
all was yet well. Whilst the daughters were attending to the 
dairy, cheered with the joyful hope of soon greeting their 
friends, and being out of danger, the father went to the field 
for the horses, to prepare for their departure home. As he 
was passing through the field, he suddenly saw two Indians, 
armed with rifles, tomahawks, and scalping knives, making 
towards him at full speed. The sight so teriified him, that he- 
lost all self command, and stood motionless and silent. When 
they were about twenty yards from him, he suddenly, and with 
all his stregth exclaimed, "Lord Jesus, living and dying, i . .ii 
thine." Scarcely had the Indians heard the words "Lord Je- 
sus," (which they probably knew as the white man's name of 
the Great Spirit,) when they stopped short, and uttered a 
hideous yell. 

"The man ran with almost supernatural strength into the 
dense forest, and by taking a serpentine course, the Indians lost- 
sight of him, and relinquished the pursuit. He hastened to an 
adjoining farm, where two German families resided, for assis- 
tance. But on approaching near it, he heard the dying groans 
of the famiUes, who were falling beneath the murderous toma-. 
hawk of some other Indians. 

" Having providentially not been observed by them, he hast-- 
ened back to learn the fate of his daughters. But, alas! on 
arriving within sight, he found his home and barn enveloped 
with flames ! Finding that the Indians had possession here, 
too, he hastened to another adjoining farm for help. Return- 
ing, armed with several men, he found the house reduced to 
akhcs, and the Indians gone. His eldest daughter had been 
almost entirely burnt up, a few remains only of her body, being 
found! And awful to relate, the younger daughter, though the 
scalp'had been cut from her head, and her body horribly mangled 
from head to foot with the tomahawk, was yet living! " The 
poor worm," says Muhlenberg, "was yet able to state all the 
circumstances of the dreadful scene." After having done so> 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 249 

she requested her father to stoop clown to her, that she might 
give him a parting kiss, and then go to her dear Saviour; and 
after she had impressed her dying lips upon his cheek, she 
yielded her spirit into the hands of that Redeemer, who, though 
his judgments are often unsearchable, and his ways past finding 
out, has nevertheless said, ' I am the resurrection and the life, 
if any man believe in me, though he die, yet shall he hve.'" — 
This is only one of many similar cases that has occurred in 
Berks and Lebanon counties. 

Tulpehocken (Lower) was separated from Upper Tulpehoc- 
ken. It is bounded north by Little Swatara creek, which se- 
parates it from Bethel township — on the east by Upper Tulpe- 
hocken, and south by Marion — a township about being organ- 
ized out of part of Heidelberg and Lower Tulpehocken; and 
on the west by Lebanon county ; contains about 20,000 acres 
of layd — limestone and gravel — very productive; mean length 
efg^t miles ; breadth six miles. Besides the Swatara on the 
north, (and its tributaries,) it is also watered by Mill creek, 
%vhich also rises in this township. There are two churches, 
one near Mill creek, and one at Rohrersburg, common to the 
Lutherans and German Reformed. There are several villages 
or towns in this township. There are several mills in the 
township. 

Rohrersburg is on the road from R,eading to Sunbury, about 
twenty-two miles from Reading, counting rising of fifty houses, 
several stores and taverns. Population about 800. 

Wohleberstown is a small village, not numbering more than 
fifteen or eighteen houses, a tavern and store, and several me- 
chanic's shops. It is on the road to Myerstown, in Lebanon 
county, and on the Jonestown road. 

Population in 1830, 3,200 ; 1840, 2,941 ; horses 713 ; horn- 
ed cattle 1,923; sheep 765; swine 2,581; bushels of wheat 
raised 29,397 ; rye 10,756 ; corn 80,300 ; oats 47,212 ; buck- 
vfheat 837 ; potatoes 5,986 ; tons of hay 651 ; pounds of w^ool 
1,027 ; flax 1,710. Whole amount of valuation on all articles 
taxable for county purposes in 1844, $1,027,212: county tax 
1^2,054 42 : gross amount of State tax $1,291 10. 



250 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 

Union township was settled originally by Swedes, Welsh and" 
English, Among them we still find the Olmsteds or Umsteads,.. 
Kerlins, and others. 

Among the princij^al settlers, as early as 1740 to 1745, were 
the following: 

John Godfrey, Thomas Pratt, Jacob Stover, Benjamin Mil- 
lard, Timothy Millard, Thomas Millard, Joseph Millard, 
Abraham Wanger, David Yoder, John Keiisey, Charles Mc- 
Crreiv, Isaac Adams, Jonathan Millard, Samuel Harris, John 
Godfrey, Christian Stanly, Richard Otty, Edward Hugh, 
Cadwalader Hughes, Peter Henry, James Kelly, Solomon Da- 
vis, Andreiu Smith. 

In 1753 the foIlowin<T, including; some of the above named 
persons, were returned as taxablcs of this township: 

Casper Singhouse, William Bird, John Harrison, Henry 
Winte?-herg, John Lincoln, Joseph Hunt, John Stone, George 
Kerst, Thomas Pratt, Joseph Burgoyne, Timothy Millard, 
Thomas Millard, Joseph Millard, Abraham Wenger, Daniel 
Yoder, Jacob Sivisscr, John Madery, Charles McGreic, Wool- 
rich Reinhard, Jacob Basence, Thomas Bavfeld, John God- 
frey, Mordecai Han-is, Jonathan Millard, Peter Flickinger, 
Andrew Gibson, John Haas, Stephen Lewis, Andrew Hoofman, 
Mounce Jones, Evan EvaTis, Penal Evans, Frederick Hoofle, 
Morgan Lewis, Peter Funk, Conrad Walter, Richard Otta, 
James Robert, Edward Hughes, William Hoiv, Aron Hart- 
man, Lochlan Doyle, Jacob Mizel, Robert Galoway, George 
Trouck, Mordecai Millard, Peter Roofner, Frederick Haas, 
James McGrew-, Adam Helmstater, William Adams, Owen 
Hugh. 

Union towmship is bounded north-east by the Schuylkill, 
which separates it from Amity ; south by Chester county, wess 
and north-west by Robeson. Its mean length five miles— r 
breadth four miles : containing about twenty-one thousand acres 
of land, of the most ordinary quality — the greater part is poor 
and hilly, and upon the whole not well improved. It contains 
l^Ut one small village — Unionville. It is watered by the Schuyk 



CISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANoN COtJIfTlE&, 251 

Ifill, Hay creek and Sixpence rnn — upon which is a forge — mill 
creek and two branches of French creek, on one of which is 
Hopewell furnace. There are six mills in this township-. 

Population in 1810, 706 : 1820, 921 : 1830, 1,046 : 1840, 
1,298 : horses 303 : horned cattle 976 : sheep 569: swine 688: 
■bushels of wheat raised 6,386 : rye 11,013: corn 14,839: oats 
18,062: buckwheat 598 : potatoes 8,375 : tons of hay 1,719: 
pounds of wool in 1844, 234,710: county tax 8469 43 : state 
tax i263 26. 



WINDSOR TOWNSHIP. 

Windsor township was began to be pretty generally settled 
between 1740 and 1752, the time when Berks was organized. 
The natural advantages it would secure, at presens. Were not 
great to induce the first settlers to locate here : notwithstand- 
ino-, we find a large number of taxable inhabitants — four or five 
years after the erection of the county — there were nearly one 
hundred then. 



Michael Kreisher, Adam Kuhn, Adam Kleim, Andrew Seitle, 
Adam Lukenbill Conrad Kerschner, Conrad Hausman, Chris- 
tian Hausenknecht, Clementz Dunkelberger, Conrad Heiser, 
Broch, Christopher Brenninger, Daniel Kemp, Deobald Werner, 
Daniel Hill, Elias Stein, Edward Shoppie, Gerhard Will, Geo. 
Anstat, George Haner, George Adam Wagner, George Bau- 
man, George Gatschall, George Ressler, George Stenger, Geo. 
Folb, George Charles, George Schneider, George Paust, Geo. 
Gartner, George Crane,' George Miller, Henry Keim, Heniy 
Gross, Henry Scheuerer, Henry Popst, Henry Kalbach, John 
Kerber, Jacob Wingerd, Jonathan Worrell, John Hover, John 
Herd, Jeremiah Schoble, Jacob Petery, Jacob Hauer, Jacob 
Hill, Jacob Hummel, Jacob KraefF, Jacob Roush, John Hauser, 
John Hess, John Mayer, Yost Kreischer, Melchior Keiber, 
Killian Dunkel, Leonard Reber, Lawrence Kuntz, Leonard 
Keplinger, Michael Rentzler, Michael Deobald, Mathias Braun, 
^-Michael Schlaire, Mathias Alsbock, Martin Werner, Mathias 
Frieher, Martin Roush, Michael Eisenman, Nicholas Wingerd, 
Nicholas Frieh, Dietrich Leonard. Peter Bordelein, Philip 



\ x^aJU--- 



252 HISTORY OF bERKS AND LfcBAJfON COUNTIES. 

Hensel, Peter Weber, Philip Hill, Peter Dunkelberger, Philip 
Hinckel, Reinhard Alsbach, Sebastian Kreischer, Wendel Kief^ 
fer, William Bussler, Wendel Hauer, Wendel Ernst, Jacob 
Miller, Jacob Martin, John Miller, Casper Schmidt, Charles 
Havelle, Philip Schweitzer, Philip Wentzel, George Mauty, 
Anthony Adam, David Alsbach, Casper IBreninger, John Con- 
radi, Jacob Linch, Nicholas Hallabach. 

This township, as well as all the other townships along the 
Elue Mountain, was the repeated scenes of Indian massacres. 
For a particular account of persons who fell victims to the 
cruelties of the Indians, the reader is referred to the third chap- 
ter of this book. 

Windsor township is bounded on the north-west by Schuyl" 
kill county ; north-east by Albany and Greenwich ; and on the 
east by Maiden creek, which separates it from Richmond town- 
ship, and from Greenwich for several miles; on the south by 
Maiden creek township ; on the w^est by the Schuylkill river, 
separating it from Centre and Upper Bern; mean length, eight 
miles; breadth four miles and a half; containing nearly twenty^ 
nine thousand acres of gravel land, somewhat hilly. 

" The Schuylkill river and canal run along the western 
boundary: and Maiden creek forms the eastern boundary. — 
The Elue Mountain fills the north-western corner. The vil- 
lao-e of Hamburg (see below) lies on the turnpike road to 
Northumberland, near the river below the Water Gap. A 
church, used by the Lutherans and German Reformed, is cen- 
trally situated in the tov/nship, and another near Hamburg. — 
There is a furnace at the foot of the Blue Mountain, at the 
head of a tributary of Maiden creek." There are several mills 
in this township, one of them near Hamburg. 

Hamburg is a considerable village on the east bank of the 
Schuylkill river. It contains between ninety and one hundred 
dwellings: several stores, taverns, and one church: population 
nearly six hundred. There is a bridge over the Schuylkill 
here. Considerable improvement has lately been made on the 
country around this town. Some of the land has been render- 
ed highly productive. This shows what can be done by pro- 
ber culture. 

■^ Population of the township in 1730, 2,298; 1840, 2,839. 
Hores 340: horned cattle 845: sheep 584: swine 1,029: bush- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 253 

els of wheat raised 3,998; rye 16,945; corn 13,562; oats 21,- 
884; buckwheat 2,531; potatoes 9,439; tons of hay 1,095; 
pounds of flax 602. Whole amount of raluation on all articles 
made taxable for county purposes in 1844, $626,959; county 
tax $1,252 31; state tax $690 15. 



UPPER TULPEHOCKKW. 

Upper Tulpehocken, and Upper Bern, lie at the base of the 
Blue mountain. For the names of the first settlers, the reader 
is referred to the townships of Bern and Lower Tulpehocken. 

The following list embraces all who had settled on and along 
the mountain between the Schuylkill and Swatara, and as far 
as the first ridge of mountains between these two streams, at 
the time Berks county was organized : 

Jacob Shaver, George Mock, George Webb, Burgoin Bird, 
Thomas Willots, Francis Yamal, Rudolph Henry, William 
Hughs, Richard Stephen, John Fincher, Thomas Ellis, John 
Green, John Willots, Paul Himss, Rudolf Kendle, Joseph Jor- 
don, John Jones, Jacob Fudge, Jacob Grosshaup, Mathias 
Swisie, Philip Hope, Michael Homel, George Seiffer, William 
Anderson. 

This township is bounded on the north by Schuylkill county, 
on the east by Northkill river, which divides it from Upper Bern 
and Penn township ; on the south by Tulpehocken creek, sepa- 
rating it from Heidelberg; on the west by Lower Tulpehocken 
and by Bethel township; mean length seven miles; breadth, 
four ; containing about twenty-eight thousand acres of land of 
a good quality; soil, limestone and gravel; surface somewhat 
diversified. Much of this township is in a good state of culti- 
vation. It is well supplied with water by the Northkill, 
Tulpehocken, Little Northkill and Swatara creeks. The Union 
Canal follows the Tulpehocken along the southern boundary of 
the township. 

There is a brick church, common to the Lutherans and Ger- 
man Reformed, near Little Northkill, and the road from Ham- 
burg and Rohrersburg. There are six mills in this township. 
22 



254 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBA^ION COUNTIES » 

Population in 1830,1,456; 1840, 1,537; horses 538; hortied 
cattle 1,484 ; sheep 781 ; swine 1,207 ; bushels of wheat raisecl 
9,341; rye 22,752; corn 14,201; oats 21,318; buckwheat 
2,266 ; potatoes 9,531 ; tons of hay 1,457 ; pounds of wool 
1,358 ; flax 1^787 ; whole amount of valuation on all articles 
made taxable for county purposes in 1844, $448,531 ; county 
tax $897 06 ; state tax $489 37. 



UPPER BERN, 

Upper Bern — this township was originally included, as also 
Centre and Penn, at the time when Berks county was erected, 
under the name of Bern. The names of the first settlers of this 
portion, are given when speaking cf Bern, Upper Bern has, 
since its organization, been considerably reduced, by taking 
portions from it, in erecting Centre and Penn townships. Its 
present boundary is as follows : on the north it is bounded by 
Schuylkill county; on the east by the Schuylkill river, which 
divides it from Windsor township ; on the south by Centre and 
Penn ; on the west by Northkill, which separates it from Upper 
Tulpehocken. The surface on the north part is hilly — some- 
what level in the southern part — soil of an ordinary quality, 
nearly all gravel. 

The township is watered by the Schuylkill, Northkill, and 
some smaller streams. There are several mills in it. There is 
one church, four taverns, and two stores in it. 

Population in 1810, 1,342; 1820,2,017; 1830,2,117; 1840, 
2,750: horses 906, horned cattle 1,912, sheep 1,126, swine 
1,846, bushels of wheat raised 12,667, rye 28,113, corn 30,905, 
oats 24,747, buckwheat 3,596, potatoes 16,318, tons of hay 
1,844, pounds of wool 1,677, flax 352 : whole amount of val- 
uation on all articles made taxable for county purposes in 1844. 
$357,248; county tax $741 49; state tax 603 45. 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 

Washington ^tOTwAip was divided off from the south-western 



HISTORY OF jBERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 255 

part of Hereford, and the north-eastern part of Colebrookdale. 
For the names of the first settlers of this part of Berks county, 
the reader is referred to Hereford and Colebrookdale town- 
ships, in this book. 

This township is hounded on the north-east by Hereford ; 
south-east by Montgomery county; south-west by Colebrook- 
dale ; north-west bv Earl, Pike and District. It is watered by 
the west branch of Perkiomen creek and Sw-amp creek, in the 
southern part of the township. 

This township has two small villages — Schult?ville, near the 
centre of the township, laid out by C. K. Schultz. It is on the 
cross roads leading from Kutztown to Philadelphia, and from 
Allentown to Boyerstown. It has four houses, one tavern and 
a post office. 

Bechtelsville laid out by J. S. Bechtel, is on the Allentown 
and West Chester state road. The cluster of houses embraces 
four dwellings, one grist mill, one saw^ mill, one oil mill, one 
black-lead mill, and several mechanics shops. 

The township has three stores, three taverns, four grist mills, 
four saw mills, one wool carding machine, one shoe peg manu- 
factoryj two forges, one iron foundry, two oil mills. A Roman 
CathoHc chapel, and two meeting houses — the Schwenkfelder 
and Mennonite meeting houses. 



CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 



Centre iownshij) was formed out of the southern part of Up- 
per Bern, and northern part of Bern, and is bounded as follows: 
on the north by Upper Bern, on the east by the Schuylkill 
river, dividing it from Windsor and Maiden creek, on the south 
by Bern and Penn, and on the west by Penn ; mean length and 
breadth six miks, containing twenty thousand acres of land of 
ordinary quahty — gravel soil — somewhat undulating. It is wa- 
tered by the Schuylkill river, Irish creek and Plum creek. 
There are three or four mills in this township. Bellman's 
church, common to the Lutherans and German Reformed, is the 
only church in the township. 

Population in 1840, 1,216: horses 226, horned cattle 560, 
sheep 481, swine 473, bushels of wjieat raised 4,949; rje 5^612;, 



256 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

corn 6,618, oats 6,708, buckwheat 972, potatoes 4,050, tons 
of hay 793, pounds of wool 429, flax 1,425: whole amount of 
valuation on all articles made taxable for county purposes in 
1844, $365,273 ; county tax $730 54; state tax $842 31. 



PENN TOWNSHIP. 



Penn township — like Centre — was formed since 1840, out of 
a portion of Upper Bern and Bern townships. It is bounded on 
the north by Upper Bern, on the east by Centre and Bern, on 
the south by Bern, south-west and west by Tulpehocken creek 
and Northkill, separating it from Heidelberg and Upper Tulpe- 
hocken townships. It embraces seme good land, though prin- 
cipally gravel soil. Scull Hill, nearly central, gives it a varie- 
gated aspect. This township is well watered. Besides the 
Tulpehocken and Northkill, several smaller streams rise in this 
township — such as Irish creek. Plum creek and Licking creek. 
There are several mills in it, and Northkill church, not far from 
Bernville, a small village fourteen miles from Reading. This 
town contains some fifty houses, and several stores and taverns. 
It has a population of about three hundred. The country around 
this village has been much improved within the last ten years. 

Whole amount of valuation on all articles made taxable for 
county purposes in 1844, $399,317 ; county tax $798 63 ; state 
tax $363 68. 



LOWER HEIDELBERG TOWNSHIP. 

Lower Heidelberg was originally a part of Heidelberg. For 
the names of the first settlers, see Heidelberg — it is bounded on 
the north-east by the Tulpehocken creek, separating it from 
Bern, south-east by Cacoosing creek, dividing it from Cumru, 
south-west by Lancaster county, and north-west by Heidelberg: 
average length eight miles, breadth four and a half — containing 
rising of fourteen thousand acres of land — some of it very good 
— limestone soil, others ordinary — soil, gravel — surface level 
and hilly. It is watered by the Tulpehocken, Cacoosing and 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. Hol 

Spring creeks : a branch of the Cocahco rises in the south- 
eastern corner of this township. There are several mills in it, 
one church, called Hain's church. Present population pro- 
bably between 1200 and 1300. Whole amount of valuation 
on all articles made taxable for county purposes in 1844, 
^680,094; county tax ^1,360 05; state tax $706 84. 



MARION TOWNSHIP.'^ 

Marion township is about being organized out of part of 
Heidelberg aud Lov/er Tulpehocken. This township embraces 
a portion of country settled primitively by emigrants from New 
York. 

It was wathin the limits, near the present site of Stouchstown, 
that Benjamin Spicker, the contemporary and intimate friend of 
Conrad Weiser, resided. His house was a very public and 
conspicuous place during the French and Indian war. Some 
thrilling incidents occurred here. One of which is circumstan- 
tially detailed in a letter from Conrad Weiser to Gov. Morris, 
dated October 27, 17o5, an extract of Avhich is presented. 

"After I had received the news that the Paxton people above 
Hunter's mills, had been murdered, I immediately sent my ser- 
vants to alarm the neighborhood. I informed them of the me- 
lancholy news, and how I came by it, &c. They unanimously 
agreed to stand by one another, and march to meet the enemy, 
if I would go with them. I told them that I would not only 
myself accompany them, but my sons and servants should also 
go — they put themselves under my direction. I gave them or- 
ders to go home and fetch their arms, whether guns, swords, 
pitch-forks, axes, or whatever might be of use against the ene- 
my, and to bring with them three days provision in their knap- 
sacks, and to meet at Benjamin Spicker's, at three of the clock 
that afternoon, about six miles above my house, in Tulpehocken 
township, where I had sent word for Tulpehocken people also 
to meet. 

" I immediately mounted my horse, and went up to Benja- 

* In January 1844, it was still undecided whether this township, with its 
boundaries as given, would be confirmed by the proper authority. 

22* 



256 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

min Spicker's, where I found about one hundred persons who 
had met before I came there ; and after I had informed them of 
the intelUgence, that I had promised to go with them as a com- 
mon soldier, and be commanded by such officers, and leading 
men, whatever they might call them, as they should choose. — 
They unanimously agreed to join the Heidelberg people, and 
accordingly they went home, to fetch their arms, and provision 
for three days, and came again at 3 o'clock. All this was 
punctually performed ; and about two hundred were at Benja- 
min Spicker's, by two o'clock. 

I made the necessary disposition, and the people were divi- 
ded into companies of thirty men in each company, and they 
chose their own officers; that is, a captain over each company, 
and three inferior officers under each, to take care of ten men, 
and lead them on, or fire, as the captain should direct. 

I sent privately for Mr. Kurtz, the Lutheran minister, who 
lived about one mile off, who came and gave an exhortation to 
the men, and made a prayer suitable to the time. Then we 
marched towards Susquehanna, having first sent about fifty 
men to Tolheo, in order to possess themselves of the gaps or 
narrows of Swahatawro, where we expected the enemy would 
come through ; with those fifty, I sent a letter to Mr. Parsons, 
who happened to be at his plantation. 

We marched about ten miles that evening. My company 
had now increased to upwards of three hunched men, mostly 
well-armed, though about twenty men had nothing but axes, 
and pitchforks — all unanimously agreed to die together and en- 
gage the enemy, wherever they should meet them ; never to 
inquire the number, but fight them, and so obstruct their way 
of marching further into the inhabited parts till others of our 
brethren came up and do the same, and so save the lives of our 
wives and children." 

For further particulars the reader is referred to pages, 43, 
44, 45, and 46. 

Marion is bounded on the north by Tulpehocken; on the south- 
east by Heidelberg, and on the south-west by Lebanon county. 

It is watered by Tulpehocken creek, which divides it into 
two unequal portions, and Millbach. It lies in the form of an 
isoceles triangle. It embraces some of the best land in Berks 
county. The turnpike road from Reading to Harrisburg pas- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, 259 

ses through for the distance of four miles. There are two 
churches in this township, two mills, and one small town, 

Stouchstown contains between twenty and thirty houses, one 
store and tavern. It is situated on the turnpike. 



EARL TOWNSHIP. 

Earl Tovmship was originally part of Oley, and of course 
was settled shortly after settlements had been commenced in 
Oley. For the name of original or primitive settlers, the reader 
is referred to the list in Oley township. 

Earl is bounded on the north by Pike, on the east by Cole- 
brookdale and Douglass, on the south by Amity, and on the 
west by Oley : mean length four miles and a half; breadth 
three miles and a quarter — containing nine thousand, five hun- 
dred and twenty acres of land — soil, gravel — surface very hilly 
— the South mountain passes through its south-west corner, on 
which is Spring Forge. Iron creek has its sources in this town- 
ship. Population in 1810, 653; 1820, 924; 1830, 979; 1840, 
1,160 : horses 165, horned cattle 526, sheep 236, swine 434, 
bushels of wheat raised 2,291, rye 4,872, corn 6,282, oats 
'5,402, buckwheat 659, potatoes 2,502, tons of hay 504, pounds 
of wool 454, flax 360 : whole amount on all articles made tax- 
able for county purposes in 1844, $219,000; county tax 
$438,000; state tax §242 19. 



PIKE TOWNSHIP. 



Pike township was formed out of parts of the several conti^ 
guous turnpikes. For the names of the first inhabitants of this 
and Earl township, the reader is referred to Oley and Cole- 
brookdale townships. 

Nothing of any remarkableness, not common to the adjacent 
townships, occurred in this township. Passing, it might be re- 
marked that a certain Maria Yung, or, as she was wont to be 
called "Die Berg Maria," lived as a solitaire for many years in 
this township, near Motz's mill. It is said she led the life of a 



260 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

hermitess for thirty years — that she had been visited by persons 
from various parts of the country — some from the distance of 
four hundred miles. She died at an advanced age, in 1819. 

A gentleman of Oley, to whom we are indebted for these 
facts, says he frequently, in company with others, visited Maria, 
On her death he wrote the following epitaph : 

Hierunter diesem Steine, 

Sanft ruhen die Gebeine; 

Der frommen Maria ; 
Ihr Herz und ganzes Leben, 

War ihrem Gott ergeben, 

Dass man's an ihrem Wandel sah. 

Sle hat ganz unverdrossen, 

Bis dreisig Jahr verflossen, 

In Einsamkeit gewohnt : 
Ihr Angesichtes-Zuegen, 

Verriethen Gottes Lieb, 

Damit der Herr sie hat bplohnt 

Nachdem sie schon verschieden, 

Sah man den Suesen Frieden 

In ihrem Angesicht ; 
Es war voll Lieb und Wonn 

Als zur Gnaden-sonn, 
Noch immer hingericht. 

Nun ist sie wegenommen ; 

Gott hies sie zu sich kommen, 

Aus diesem Jammerthal : 
Wo auf den liimmels-Auen, 

Sie Jesum wird anschauen, 

Mit seiner auserwaehlten Zahl. 

This township is bounded on the north-east by District, souths, 
east by Washington and Colebrookdale, on the south by Earl 
and Oley, on the west by Rockland — mean length four miles 
and a half; breadth two miles and a half — containing six thou- 
sand, five hundred acres of land — surface, large hills — soil, gra- 
vel — poor and very ordinarily cultivated. It is watered by Pine 
creek and other sources of Manatawny creek. Swamp creek 
rises in this township. There are nine or ten mills in this town- 
ship, and a forge: one church, near the south-east corner, owned 
by the Lutherans and German Reformed. 

Population in 1810,552; 1820,645; 1830,752; 1840,784; 
horses 157, horned cattle 590, sheep 413, swine 483, bushels 
'of wheat raised 4,244, rye 5,356, corn 6,441, oats 4,628, 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 2G1 

buckwheat 1,467, potatoes 3,301, tons of hay 694, pounds of 
\rool 606, flax 716 : whole amount of valuation on all articles 
made taxable by law for county purposes $151,911 ; county 
tax $303 82; state tax $197 33, 



CHAPTER XL 

GENERAL STATISTICS OP BERKS COUNTY. 

Statistics of Agriculture of Berks county, for 1838. Only 
twenty-five, of thirty-five districts, had reported. By adding 
about one-third to what is given below, we may approximate 
to the true, or full amount. 

The number of acres of limestone land cleared, is thirty 
thousand four hundred ; of uncleared limestone land, thirteen 
thousand eight hundred acres; cleared slate land, eleven thou- 
sand six hundred acres; uncleared slate land, four thousand 
eight hundred and fifty; gravel land cleared, eighty thousand 
two hundred and sixty acres; uncleared gravfel land, thirty-six 
thousand six hundred acres; sandy land, twenty-six thousand 
seven hundred acres — mountain or rock land, thirty-six thou- 
sand seven hundred and eighty — seven acres containing iron ore. 
The whole quantity of cleared land, as reported, of all kinds, 
is one hundred ninety thousand, and six hundred acres. This 
falls far short of the actual quantity of cleared land, in 1844, 
which cannot be less than two hundred and fifty thousand acres. 
The whole quantity of uncleared land, but fit for cultivation, as 
reported in 1838, is thirty-six thousand three hundred acres. 
This, it is believed, is also much below its actual amount. The 
probable number acres of uncleared land, but fit for cultivation, 
is about one hundred thousand acres. The whole quantity of 
uncleared land, unfit for cultivation, is sixty-four thousand two 
hundred acres, according to, the report of 1838. This is also 
too low; there aj-e rising of one hundred thousand acres that 
come under this denomination. Berks county contains rising 
of fiv? hundred thousand acres in all, [516,320.] 

The average value per acre of cleared land, is thirty dollars; 
and that of woodland fit for cultivation, twenty-seven dollars 
per acre: woodland unfit for cultivation, twenty dollars per 
acre ; the whole value of cleared land, as reported in 1838, is 
four millions, eight hundred ninety-nine thousand and five hun-?. 



mSTORV OP BERKS AND LEBANON COvMltS. 263 

'dr6d dollars. The valuation in reality approximates eight nnT- 
'iions. The whole valuation of uncleared land in 1838, was one 
trillion eight hundred^ twentyfive thousand, three hundred and 
fifty dollars. The true valuation approximates three millions. 
For, in 1844, the whole amount of valuation on all articles 
made taxable by law for county purposes, approximated nine- 
teen millions of dollars, [18,617,-569.] 

According to the report of 1838, there were two thousand 
and twenty-one farms, averaging seventy-five acres each. The 
whole number of stone farm houses, Was one thousand tWo hun- 
dred and fifty-four ; brick houses, two hundred and seventy- 
nine; wood farm houses, one thousand nine hundred and fifty-^ 
five; tenant houses on farms, (not farm houses) one thousand 
two hundred and five. There were one thousand one hundred 
and eighty-eight stone barns; of brick thirty-nine: one thou- 
sand five hundred and seventy-five barns built of wood. 

The whole number acres of wheat in 1838, was seventeen 
thousand four hundred acres; of rye, nineteen thousand four 
hundred and ten; of oats, fifteen thousand seven hundred; of 
barley nine hundred and eighty : of Indian corn seventeen thou- 
sand two hundred : in clover eleven thousand seven hundred : 
in timothy si?c thousand six hundred : of natural meadow ten 
thousand two hundred acres: in potatoes four thousand acres*, 
turnips one thousand five hundred and ten: buckwheat one 
thousand nine hundred and ninety: in flax seven hundred. 

The average yield of wheat per acre in bushels, fifteen ; of 
rye thirteen, oats twenty, barley twenty-five, corn thirty, do- 
verseed two bushels, timothy seed two, natural meadow seed 
two, potatoes eighty, turnips seventy-five, buckwheat twelve 
bushels. Dressed flax per acre, seventy-five pounds. The whole 
quantity of wheat produced in 1838 for market, two hundred 
eight thousand and four hundred bushels; valued at three hun- 
dred twelve thousand and six hundred dollars ; rye two hundred 
one thousand and eight hundred bushels, valued at one hundred 
and sixty-six thousand and six hundred dollars ; oats two hun- 
dred forty-six thousand bushels, valued at eighty thousand one 
hundred dollars ; barley one thousand and forty bushels, valued 
at eight hundred and eighty dollars ; Indian corn one hundred 
forty-seven thousand and two hundred dollars, valued at one 
hundred eleven thousand and one hundred dollars. 

Clover produced in tons, seven thousand three hundred dol^ 



264 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

lars, valued at seventy-three thousand dollars; timothy hay, 
four thousand five hundred and fifty tons, valued at forty-eight 
thousand one hundred dollars ; meadow hay, four thousand tons, 
valued forty-four thousand one hundred dollars; potatoes, fifteen 
thousand two hundred bushels produced for market, valued at 
seven thousand one hundred dollars; turnips produced and sold 
at market, five hundred and ten bushels, valued at three hun- 
dred and seventy dollars; buckwheat, nine thousand seven him- 
dred bushels, valued at seven thousand seven hundred and 
eighty dollars; flax produced and dressed, fourteen thousand 
eight hundred pounds, valued at two thousand nine hundred 
dollars. 

Lime, used as a manure, four hundred and forty-three thou- 
sand bushels; cost per bushel, delivered in the field, twelve and 
one half cent ; the average quantity per acre^ applied in one sea- 
son is seventy-five bushels — the w^hole quantity supposed to 
form a complete dressing; whole quantity of plaster or gypsum 
used, one thousand four hundred and thirty-tons — thiee-fourths 
of a bushel applied to an acre ; the cost per ton, ground, ten 
dollars. The number of hands steadily employed in farming 
(luring the year, six thousand six hundred and fifty ; the average 
compensation per month of a hand, nine dollars. Work horses 
employed in firming, six thousand nine hundred and five during 
the year the aggregate value of which is three hundred and 
sixty-five thousand five hundred dollars; forty-six work oxen 
were employed, aggregate value, one thousand six hundred and 
fifty-five dollars; the whole number of horses of all kinds, nine 
thousand one hundred, the aggregate value, five hundred fiiteen' 
thousand seven hundred; the whole number of oxen of all kinds, 
three thousand seven hundred and eighty; the aggregate value 
was seventy-five thousand four hundred dollars; the whole 
number of all kinds, thirteen thousand six hundred and forty: 
aggregate value, two hundred and forty-two thousand eight 
hundred dollars; sheep of all kinds, twelve thousand four hun- 
dred and sixty: aggregate value, twenty-six thousand dollars: 
Merino sheep, only twenty: Saxony, thirty-five. The whole 
number of swine of all kinds, twenty-one thousand nine hun- 
dred and thirty: aggregate value, seventy-nine thousand one 
hundred dollars. The whole number of pounds of beef sold and 
killed, three hundred and thirty-two thousand seven hundred 
pounds, at seven cents per pound ; pork salted and sold, one 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 265 

Ihundred and one thousand four hundred pounds, at eleven 
cents per pound ; pounds of mutton sold, thirty-one thousand 
four hundred and fifty, at seven cents per pound. 

The number of pounds of fine wool sold, two hundred pounds, 
■at fifty cents; coarse wool, five thousand one hundred pounds, 
at forty cents. Butter sold, two hundred and forty-four 
thousand seven hundred pounds, at eighteen cents; one hun- 
■dred and twenty pounds of cheese, at ten cents. 



^MANUFACTURING STATISTICS. 

The number of threshing machines in use, one hundred; corn 
shellers one hundred and fifty-two; revolving horse rakes fifty- 
three; cultivators and shovel harrows one thousand and thirty. 
Valuation of oak firewood two dollars; hickory three per cord ; 
stone coal five dollars per ton, delivered. 

Number of grain mills one hundred and seven — twenty-three 
thousand one hundred barrels of flour made — average price per 
barrel, eight dollars. Whole number bushels of wheat ground, 
two hundred and forty-five thousand five hundred bushels — 
gross value three hundred seventy-two thousand, nine hundred 
and seventy bushels. Whole number bushels of corn ground, 
ninety-eight thousand four hundred — gross value seventy thou- 
sand one hundred dollars. Barley ground, two hundred bush- 
els — gross value one hundred and fifty dollars. Whole number 
bushels of rye ground, three hundred and twenty-seven thou- 
sand one hundred bushels — gross value two hundred and two 
thousand, six hundred dollars. Whole number of hands em- 
ployed in grain mills, one hundred and fifty. Amount of capi- 
tal invested in mills, ninet}^-nine thousand two hundred. Forty- 
eight distilleries were reported, which consumed fifteen thousand 
seven hundred bushels of grain — produced forty-three thousand 
eight hundred gallons : gross value of spirits distilled, eighteen 
thousand eight hundred dollars: these distilleries consumed, as 
fuel, one hundred and twenty tons of mineral coal, and six hun- 
dred and ten cords of wood — employed fifty hands : capital 
invested, twenty-eight thousand two hundred dollars. There 
were three breweries, consuming four thousand one hundred 
and fifty bushels of grain, and brewed sixty-eight thousand 
23 



«66 HISTORY OF B£RKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

three hundred gallons of malt liquor, and consumed eighty tons 
of mineral coal, and one hundred and fifty cords of wood — 
giving employment to seven hands, having invested three thou- 
sand five hundred dollars — seven hundred gallons of grape wine 
made : gross value seven hundred dollars : seven hundred and 
twenty barrels of cider made : gross value one thousand four 
hundred and seventy dollars. Eight furnaces for manufacturing 
pig iron — three hot blast furnaces — three thousand seven hun- 
dred and ninety tons of pig iron made — gross value one hun- 
dred and eighteen thousand six hundred dollars : consumed three 
hundred and fifty-four thousand, three hundred bushels of char- 
coal — employed two hundred and ninety hands in manufacturing 
pig iron : amount of capital invested in manufacturing iron, one 
hundred and fifty-one thousand six hundred dollars. Five air 
and cupola furnaces, made two hundred tons of casting — gross 
value twenty-four thousand nine hundred dollars — consumed 
five hundred tons of mineral coal, employed thirty hands, and 
invested a capital of fifteen thousand dollars. Twenty-two 
forges manufactured six hundred and ten tons of bar iron — 
gross value forty thousand eight hundred dollars — number 
tons of blooms, two thousand three hundred and fifty : gross 
value one hundred and forty thousand eight hundred dollars — 
consumed one hundred and ninety-nine thousand five hundred 
bushels of charcoal — employed two hundred and seventy hands: 
amount of capital invested, two hundred and ten thousand dol- 
lars. Number of rolfino; mills two — manufactured two hundred 
tons of rolled iron : gross value two hundred thousand dollars : 
consumed five hundred tons of mineral coal — employed one 
hundred and twenty hands : amount of capital invested, one 
hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. One nail factory 
manufactured one thousand tons of nails — gross value one hun- 
dred and twenty thousand dollars — consumed five tons of min- 
eral coal — employed twenty hands — capital invested, twenty- 
five thousand dollars. Two steam engine factories, two loco- 
motive factories, and seven stationary, of all kinds — the whole 
number of horse power of all the engines made, is one hundred 
and ninety horse power : gross value of engines manufactured, 
thirty-five thousand dollars — twelve hundred tons of mineral 
coal consumed — two thousand bushels of charcoal — employed 
thirteen hands : amount of capital invested, sixteen thousand 
dollars. Two scythe or sickle manufactories, manufactured two 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 267 

thousand scythes : gross value of scythes and sickles manufac;- 
tured, one thousand seven hundred and seventy dollars — con- 
sumed one ton of mineral coal, and two thousand three hundred 
bushels of charcoal — employed three hands — capital invested, 
seven hundred and eighty dollars. Seven axe and other edge 
tool manufactories, manufactured three hundred and twenty 
axes : gross value seven hundred dollars : consumed thirty tons 
of mineral coal, and four thousand three hundred bushels of 
charcoal — employed twelve hands — amount of capital invested, 
nine hundred dollars. Seven gun factories manufactured three 
hundred and seventy guns : gross value, one thousand nine hun- 
dred and thirty dollars — consumed one thousand three hundred 
and fifty bushels of charcoal — employed ten hands — amount of 
capital invested, one thousand one hundred and thirty dollars. 
Twelve copper and sheet iron ware manufactories — gross value 
of tin ware manufoctured, eight thousand nine hundred and fifty 
dollars — value of copper ware manufactured, one thousand dol- 
lars — value of sheet iron manufactured, two thousand and fifty 
dollars — consumed six tons of mineral coal, and one thousand 
seven hundred and fifty-one bushels of charcoal — employed 
thirty hands — amount of capital invested, seven thousand five 
hundred dollars. Saw mills one hundred and three — saws in 
use one hundred and three — quantity of stuffs sawed in super- 
ficial feet of one inch thick, four millions, five hundred and one 
thousand feet — employed one hundred and eleven hands — 
amount of capital invested, seven thousand dollars. Carriage, 
car and wagon manufactories, twenty-four — carriages manufac- 
tured, one hundred and four, railroad cars nineteen, wagons one 
hundred and fifty-three — gross value of vehicles of all kinds, 
fifteen thousand five hundred — employed fifty-eight hands — 
amount of capital invested, twelve thousand six hundred dol- 
lars. Thirty-three manufactories of chair and cabinet ware — 
gross value manufactured, twelve thousand two hundred and 
ten dollars — employed fifty hands — amount of capital invested, 
four thousand seven hundred and forty dollars. Ploughs man- 
ufactured, two hundred and twenty-four — gross value, two 
thousand three hundred and thirty dollars — employed fifteen 
hands. Value of wooden ware, of all kinds manufactured, 
including cedar and cooper's ware, two thousand two hundred 
dollars — employed twenty hands. Woollen mills seven — setts 
of woollen machinery seventeen — quantity of wool consupied, 



268 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, 

seven thousand two hundred and fifty pounds — manufactarec?, 
six thousand eight hundred yards of cloth — gross value of 
woollen goods manufactured, five thousand and seventy dollars 
— consumed three tons of mineral coal — number of hands em- 
ployed, eighteen males and two females — amount of capital 
invested, three thousand three hundred dollars. Seventeen 
fulling mills — twenty-one thousand eight hundred yards of cloth 
fulled — employed twenty hands — amount of capital invested, 
two thousand one hundred dollars. Stocking factories, three — 
manufactured five thousand five hundred pairs of stockings — 
gross value manufactured, one thousand seven hundred dollars 
— employed seven hands. Tanneries, fifty-one — thirty-seven 
thousand eight hundred and thirty hides of all kinds tanned — 
gross value of leather tanned and curried, ninety-six thousand 
six hundred dollars — used two thousand one hundred and sev- 
enty cords of bark — employed seventy-eight hands, amount of 
capital invested, ninety-one thousand two hundred and twenty 
dollars. Saddle and harness manufactories, seventeen — gross 
value of saddles and harness made, thirteen thousand seven 
hundred and ninety dollars — -employed thirty-five hands — 
amount of capital invested, eight thousand and forty dollars. 
Eoot and shoe manufactories, fifty-four — manufactured four 
thousand two hundred pairs of boots, twenty-two thousand 
seven hundred pairs of shoes — gross value, fifty-seven thou- 
sand dollars — hands employed, one hundred sixty males, and 
twenty-two females — capital invested, thirteen thousand nine 
hundred dollars. Hat manufactories, eight — manufactured se- 
ven thousand hats — gross value, fourteen thousand four hundred 
and fifty dollars — consumed sixty-two tons of mineral coal — 
employed twenty-six males, and thirteen females — amount of 
capital invested, ten thousand three hundred and fifty dollars. 
Five paper mills manufactured fifty-five ton weight of stock — 
gross value of paper manufactured, fourteen thousand eight 
hundred dollars — consumed twelve tons of mineral coal — em- 
ployed ten hands — amount of capital invested, seven hundred 
and fifty dollars. Oil mills, eight — manufactured fourteen thou- 
sand and twenty gallons of oil — used seven thousand one hun- 
dred bushels of flaxseed — gross value of oil made, ten thousand 
one hundred and ten dollars — consumed ten tons of mineral 
coal — employed ten hands — amount of capital invested, seven 
thousand four hundred and forty dollars. Ten potteries — gross 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 269 

value of ware made, four thousand two hundred dollars — emr 
ployed twenty hands. Brick-yards, sixteen — number of bricks 
made, three millions eight hundred and eighty-four thousand — 
gross value, nine thousand five hundred dollars — number of 
hands employed, ninety. Number of mulberry trees raised, 
forty-eight thousand eight hundred and sixty — eighteen pounds 
cocoons produced — five males and three females employed — 
amount of capital invested, one thousand dollars. One comb 
manufactory — value of combs manufactured, one thousand dol- 
lars — employed three hands — consumed three tons of mineral 
coal. Three soap and candle factories, made one hundred and 
thirty thousand pounds of candles — whole value of candles made, 
fifteen thousand six hundred dollars — consumed twelve tons of 
mineral coal — employed four hands — amount of capital invest- 
ed, seven hundred dollars. Ten tobacco and snuft" factories, 
twisted forty thousand pounds of tobacco, and made nineteen 
millions eight hundred and ninety thousand segars — gross value 
of tobacco manufactured, eighteen thousand three hundred and 
thirty dollars — forty-seven hands employed — capital invested, 
nine thousand one hundred dollars. Ropewalks, one — made 
ten tons of rope — gross value, four hundred dollars, — employed 
three hands. Whole number of shoemakers, not general man- 
ufacturers, two hundred and seventy-two; tailors, one hundred 
and eighty-five; weavers, seventy-four; hatters, ninety-l'ive ; 
butchers, forty-two; watchmakers, eighteen; blacksmiths, one 
hundred and ninety-four; whitesmiths, seven; carpenters, two 
hundred and sixty; wheelwrights, seventy-seven ; printers, ten ; 
I)ook-binders. one. 



STATISTICS OF COMMERCE. 



J^amher of iinporters of tobacco, om — gross value of tobac- 
co imported, thirty-seven thousand dollars — amount of capital 
invested, two thousand dollars. JS'umber of retailers of foreign 
goods, ninety-three — gross amount of sales, tico hundred and 
ninety-nine thousand two hundred dollars — employed one hun- 
dred and forty-six hands — amount of capital invested, two 
hundred and ten thousand four hundred dollars. JVu7nber of 
retailers of domestic dry goods, fifty-eight — gross amount of 

23*- 



270 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

sales, one hundred and seventy thousand six hundred dollars — ■ 
numher of hands employed, one hundred and twelve — amount 
of capital invested, eighty-three thousand nine hundied dollars. 
Retail groceries, fifty-eight — gross amount of sales, one hun- 
dred thousand three hundred dollars — employed ninety-five 
hands — amount of capital invested, fifty-seven thousand nine 
hundred dollars. Retailers of hardware, thirty-four — gross 
amount of sales, one hundred and nineteen thousand two hun- 
dred dollars — employed fifty-five hands — amount of capital 
invested, seventy-four thousand four hundred and fifty dollars. 
Retailers of foreign liquors, {not tavern-keepers^ thirty-nine — 
gross amount of sales, sixty-one thousand one hundred dollars 
— employed seventy-three hands — amount of capital investedy 
twenty-four thousand nine hundred and seventy dollars. Re- 
tailers of domestic spirits, thirty-three — gross amount of sales, 
nineteen thousand one hundred dollars — hands employed, sixty- 
three — amount of capital invested, seventeen thousand four hun- 
dred and fifty dollars. Retail Drug Sr Chemical stores, twelve 
— gross value of sales, eight thousand dollars — sixteen hands 
employed — amount of capital invested, seven thousand four 
hundred dollars. Taverns, one hundred and thirty-five — gross 
amount of sales of liquors, forty-eight thousand five hundred 
and fijty dollars — numler of hands employed, one hundred 
and fifty-four. Flour and feed stores, eighteen — gross amount 
of sales, ten thousand eight hundred dollars — numher of hands 
employed twenty — amount of capital, ^6,970 GO— five lumber 
yards — gross amount of sales, three hundred and twenty-five 
thousand dollars — employed eight hands — amount of capital 
invested, twelve thousand one hundred dollars. Six coal yards — 
gross amount of sales of anthracite coal, eight thousand five 
hundred dollars — amount of capital invested, seven thousand 
one hundred dollars. 



STATISTICS OF MINING. 



Seven iron ore banks in operation, rained twelve thousand 
tons of ore — whole value of all the ore mined, nineteen 
thousand seven hundred dollars — smelted ten thousand eight 
hundred tons of ore in the county — sent out of the county one 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 271 

thousand seven hundred tons — employed seventy-three hands 
in mining — employed fifteen hands in transporting — amount of 
capital invested, two hundred thousand dollars. Ninety lime- 
stone quarries in 'operation, quarried twenty-two thousand nine 
hundred perches of limestone — valued at fifteen thousand six 
hundred dollars — employed one hundred and seventy hands. 
Lime-kilns in operation, three hundred — burned six hundred and 
sixty-five thousand bushels of lime, valued at eleven cents per 
bushel — whole value, seventy-three thousand one hundred and 
fifty dollars — employed seventy hands at kilns, and thirty in 
transportation. 



APPENDIX. 



A. On page 191, in a foot note, the reader is referred to 
Jlppendix A., touching a meeting held in 1829, in opposition 
to Sunday Schools, &c. The proceedings of the meeting are 
giren, with remarks by a Christian Freeman. 



APPENDIX. 



Meeting of Freemen in Heidelberg township^ Berks county. 

At a numerous and respectable meeting of citizens assembled 
at the house of George Gernand, on Thursday the 21st of May, 
1829, pursuant to pubhc notice, given by the committee of cor- 
respondence, appointed by the Committee in Cocalico township, 
Lancaster county, on the 19th of March last, to deliberate and 
consult upon the causes and tendency of the religious excite- 
ment at present prevailing in the county ; Joseph Hain, Esq., 
was appointed President ; Henry Bennetsch and John Sohl, jr., 
and Daniel Wenrich, Secretaries; John Shitz, Jacob Seitzinger, 
Henry Shoner, Martin Texter and John Hain (of Adam) being 
appointed a committee to i-epcrt proceedings for the consideration 
of the meeting ; after retiring for a short time, reported the fol- 
lowing address and resolutions, which were imanimously 
adopted : 

The committee appointed to report proceedings for the con- 
sideration of this meeting, respectfully submit the following : 

That a religious excitement exists in many sections of the 
country, not calculated, as they apprehend, to promote the in- 
terests of genuine rational Piety, and tending eventually, if not 
arrested in its progress, to abridge the civil and religious liber- 
ties of the people. The cause of this excitement may be found 
in the extraordinary conduct of certain ecclesiastical Professors, 
who appear to have undertaken a crusade, for the spreading of 
particular religious opinions, and the advancement of church 



§76 HISTORY OF BE&KS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

establishments. Pervading the country in every direction, they 
alarm the weak minded and youthful part of the community 
with unusual and vehement denunciations of divine wrath, and 
thus obtain an influence over minds which is not the result of 
rational conviction, and which is destined to be directed to the 
elevation of the clerical profession to a degree of authority in- 
consistent with the people's welfare, and the spirit of the free 
constitutions under which we live. 

It appears to your committee that the Clergy of the United 
States in general, have exhibited many manifestations of a 
spirit of worldly ambition. That measures have been projected 
by that class of men, calculated and designed to promote their 
own interests at the expense of those of the people; to enable 
them to dictate to the consciences of their fellow-men; and to 
assume a right of interference in the direction of state affairs. 
They have observed with dissatisfaction and alarm, the estab- 
lishment of opulent and influential societies, the management of 
which is committed to ecclesiastical hands or subjected to ec- 
clesiastical control. Amongst these they number Bible and 
Missionary Societies, Theological Seminaries and Sunday 
School Unions. They regard these institutions as unnecessary 
burdens upon the church going part of the community, appro- 
priating vast sums of money to purposes for the most part un- 
called for, and tending directly to increase the influence of the 
clergy. They have witnessed the attempts recently made to 
induce the Congress of the U. States, to prohbit the transpor- 
tation of the mail on Sunday, and regard them as ebullitions 
of the fanatical spirit, so widely disseminated by the Clergy. — 
They consider all endeavors to procure legislative interference 
in matters of religion, as attempts to infringe upon the rights 
of conscience, and all measures adopted to compel particular 
observance of the Sabbath as incipient approaches to the es- 
tablishment of spiritual tyranny. Your committee would shrink 
from proposing a single objection to the extension of the Chris- 
tian Religion. They believe the revealed Religion of the old 
and new Testaments to be the most inestimable gift of a beneficent 
Creator to the human family. They regard it as a written law for 
the guidance of human conduct, exhibiting a sublime and perfect 
system of morals, and holding incentives to the pursuit of vir- 
tue in those immortal rewards which Divinity alone could offer. 
But in revolving the histories of bye-gone ages they are ad- 



HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBAtCON COUNTIES. 277 

monisl'ied by the wails of nations, and the groans of oppressed 
people, to beware of a body of men assuming to be the inter- 
preters of the Divine word, and the Directors of men's con- 
sciences. They contemplate with horror, the intolerance and 
bloody persecutions of the church of Rome, and the debased 
condition of the people in every nation where ecclesiastical ru- 
lers have the sway. They look upon England, the most free 
of European governments, and behold a Union of Church and 
State, which has burdened the people for ages with an oppres- 
sive hierarchy that maintains a luxurious Clergy with the hard- 
worn earnings of the Agriculturalist and Mechanic. They 
look forward with prophetic apprehensions to the termination 
of the race, which fanaticism is running in our own country, 
and behold in anticipation, misery and slavery, and ecclesiasti- 
cal tyranny beyond the goal. 

Your committee with a view to counteract the efforts which 
are making to promote ecclesiastical supremacy, respectfully 
submit the following resolutions for the consideration of the 
meeting: 

Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting, the institu- 
tion of Bible and Missionary Societies, Theological Seminaries 
and Sunday School Unions, are works of supererogation, con- 
sidered in reference to the wants and v/elfare of the people; 
ihat they are designed to elevate and sustain the authority of 
the Priesthood, and so considered, are dangerous to the liber- 
ties of the people, and that we will not assist in maintaining 
Clergymen who advocate them or are concerned in their sup- 
port. 

Resolved, That we consider the extraordinary zeal for re- 
ligion, which manifests itself in the condemnation of innocent 
amusements and the requisition of an ascetic severity of life, as 
originating in the false pretences of designing men, or the er- 
roneous opinions of over-heated enthusiasm, believing as we do, 
that hilarity in enjoying the bounties of Providence, is not un- 
acceptable in the sight of the Almighty dispenser of all things. 

Resolved, That our religious and moral duties are plainly 
set forth in the language of the holy Scriptures; that they con- 
sist in visiling the sick, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, 
rendering due honor to parents and the exercises of charity to- 
wards all men, and that no amount of mortification or prayer 
can justify the omission of any of them. 
24 



278 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES^ 

Resolved, That we duly appreciate the advantages of tlpe 
Sabbath, considered as a day of worship and temporal repose; 
but that we cannot regard innocent recreations on that day, not 
prohibited by the laws of the land^ as infractions of its duties or 
those of rational piety. 

Resolved, That hereafter we will receive no preacher into 
our congregation who is an adherent or supporter of any The- 
ological Seminary, of the Sunday School Union, or the Bible, 
Missionary^ Tract or any other similar societies, or who is en- 
gaged in distributing any so called religious papers or Maga- 
zines, because we sincerely believe those institutions have been 
introduced for no other purpose than to collect large sums of 
money, which is to be applied towards erecting an influence 
and power of the Clergy over the people, and consequently 
may eventually lead to the destruction of our civil and religious 
liberties. 

Resolved, That it is our sincere opinion that all those per- 
sons who so conspicuously disseminate prmciples so dangerous 
in their consequences, are either hypocrites seeking their ow'n 
aggrandizement^ or deluded fanatics, whose blindness seeks to 
involve twelve millions of free and happy people between the 
fano-s of an overreaching and ambitious priesthood. That our 
Saviour came into the world to make men free and happy is an 
undeniable truth ; but that priestcraft, under the garb of religion, 
endeavors to enslave the world is also a fact seriously to be de- 
plored. 

Resolved, That we view those arrogant and haughty beg- 
gars, who, in imported broad cloths, strut about our country, 
distributing tracts and asking money for Missionary purposes, 
as a set of imposters, too lazy to earn, by the sweat of their 
brow, the food that sustains them. 

Resolved, That we are, as we have been ever, ready to re- 
ward upright and unassuming ministers for their services, and 
to render their stay among us as agreeable as circumstances 
will allow; with this proviso, however, that they remain free 
and independent from all connexion with those societies, whose 
ostensible object may seem laudable, but whose intentions are 
the promotion of themselves and the slavery of the people. — 
Should, however, no such preacher be found, we will neverthe- 
less frequent the house of God and appoint one of the number 
present to read an appropriate sermon, a chapter from Holjr 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 279 

writ, and conclude by prayer and hymns of thankfulness to the 
supreme creator of all his mercies. 

Resolved, That we approve of the proceedings of the meet- 
ing held on the 19th of March last, in Cocalico township, Lan- 
caster county, and that we will endeavor our utmost to aid in 
fulfilling them. 

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by 
the officers of the day, and jDublished in all the papers friendly 
to the cause of the people. 

JOSEPH HAIN, President. 
Henry Bennetsch, ) ^j. t, ■ -, , 
JoH.v Gerhart, j ^^^^ Presidents, 

John Sohl, Jr. ) c, j. • 
r\ i^r [ secretaries. 

Daniel VV enrich, j 



REMARKS BY A CHRISTIAN FREEMAN. 

Believing that the cause of the Redeeemer is best promoted, 
when its friends are apprised of the evil as well as of the good, 
which attends it, and have it in their power to know the 
strength of its enemy, the weapons he employs, and the nature 
of the conflict which it is their duty to maintain, I request the 
insertion in the Magazine of the accompanying report and 
resolutions adopted by a meeting held in Berks countv, in this 
State. This production can aflbrd neither pleasure nor edifi- 
cation to your readers; but they can learn from it how much of 
heathenism is yet to be purged away in our own country and 
our own church ; and how much they ought to do. 

The persons who composed this meeting are, at least princi- 
pally, Germans, and a portion of them are members of the Re- 
formed Church. I mention these facts with deeper shame and 
regret: — they are a blot upon our character and will fill a dark 
page in our history. I would say, '•' Tell it not in Gath ; pub- 
lish it not in the streets of Ashkelon," but the authors have al- 
ready proclaimed their own reproach by publishing it in all the 
papers which would insert their strange production. 

These men profess to regard the Christian religion as " the 
most inestimable gift of a beneficent Creator to the human fami- 
ly," and " to shrink from proposing a single objection to the ex- 



280 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

tension of it." They may possibly be sincere : but it is too 
manifest that they neither possess the spirit of Christianity, nor 
know what it is, and that their resohitions strike wath the most 
reckless violence at all the means of promoting or extending it. 
The religious institutions which are the glory of the present age, 
and whose effects in promoting the knowledge and the influence 
of Christianity, have been already so important, are pursued 
Avith a rancorous and deadly hostility, as dangerous to the lib- 
erties of the people; their friends and supporters are character- 
ized as "hypocrites who seek their own aggrandizement, or de-. 
luded fanatics;" and the clergy who promote them, are de- 
nounced as an "over-reaching and ambitious priesthood." 

In this virulent opposition, these people have been preceded 
by the Pope of Rome, and the Patriarch of the Popish Maro- 
nite Christians in Asia, who have fulminated their anathemas 
against Bible Societies and Bible-men, denouncing them as pests 
and instruments of the devil, calculated to undermine their 
"holy faith." The Turkish Sultan, if I remember right, has 
also issued his firman prohibiting the distribution of the Bible, 
and of other Christian books in his dominions, by Protestant 
Missionaries. And there can be no doubt that Satan regards 
them with no kinder thoughts, and is doing what he can to 
drive them out of his kingdom. 

It is easy to perceive why the Pope and his adherents should 
be opposed to the religious institutions of Protestants, and par- 
ticularly to Bible Societies; since it is manifest, that if the 
Bible, without note or comment, be every where circulated and 
read, nothing can be more dangerous to the superstitions and 
the priestly tyranny of that church : and accordingly it has been 
the constant pohcy of the Popish Hierarchy to shut up the 
Bible from the people. 

Nor is it difficult to comprehend why the Turkish Sultan 
should be opposed to the distribution of the Bible and of reli- 
gious tracts. He and his people are Mahomedans: their sacred 
book is the Koran: and he knows that, if the Bible and Chris- 
tian tracts be circulated and read in his dominions, his religion 
must fall before them ; or, at best, it cannot be benefitted by 
them. 

It is equally as easy to discover why the Prince of Darkness 
should hate Bible Societies, whose object is to distribute the 
Word of Eternal Life ; and Tract societies, which endeavor to 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, 281 

spread Christian knowledge and piety by distributing those 
tracts which are so well adapted to inform the understanding 
and to improve the heart ; and Sunday schools, whose aim is to 
store the mind at an early period of life, with the principles of 
Christianity; and the Missionary Societies, whose design is to 
propagate the rehgion of Christ among all nations, and to 
gather souls from the four winds into his kingdom ; and Tlu-'O- 
logical Seminaries, in which ministers of the Gospel are suita- 
bly prepared for their holy office ; and Evangelical Religious 
Periodicals, by which knowledge is increased, zeal awakened, 
and piety promoted. He well knows that all these are der 
str active to his power, and that if they are permitted to exert 
their energies in peace, his kingdom cannot prosper. 

But it is impossible to explain why Christians, who declare 
that they "would shrink from proposing a single objection to 
the extension of the Christian religion," why Protestant Chris- 
tians, why members of the Reformed and the Lutheran churches, 
should join in the same hostility and unite in the same warfare, 
against these things. What has the Protestant Christian to 
fear from them, that he should join with such associates in such 
a crusade? 

A reason for this conduct is assigned in the first resolve, viz: 
that these institutions "are designed to elevate and sustam the 
authority of the Priesthood, and so considered, are dangerous 
to the liberties of the people." 

Is it not difficult to comprehend what these Christiajis and 
Patriots mean by the sneering term priesthood : they apply it to 
those ministers- of religion, in the Protestant Christian Church, 
who foster the benevolent institutions which they abhor. It is 
well known that the ministers of the Protestant Churches are 
no Priesthood in the literal sense of the term ; as they do not 
pretend, in that sense, to offer up sacrifices of any sort. The 
ministry of the Church of Rome assert that, the mass is liter- 
ally a sacrifice which they offer to God ; and they claim for 
that reason to be a Priesthood. Protestant ministers maintain 
that Jesus Christ is the only priest, and his death upon the 
cross the only sacrifice of his church. They, therefore, dis- 
claim the office of priests, and profess to be only pastors and 
teachers. This fact, I presume the Committee wdio reported 
these resolutions, knew; but the term Priesthood presented so 
inviting an opportunity to confound Protestant ministers with. 

24* 



282 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Popish priests, and to involve them all in a common odim, 
that they could not forbear to use it. There is some malignity 
in this conduct, and a pleasure is evidently felt in the indul- 
gence of it. 

It is not so easy to understand what they mean by the au- 
thority of the Priesthood, which our benevolent institutions 
"are designed to elevate and sustain." In the United States, 
ministers of all denominations possess no other than purely 
spiritual authority : they are officers of a kingdom which is not 
of this world : as such, they are authorized to teach and pro- 
pagate the religion of Christ, to administer his sacraments, and 
to exercise the discipline which is necessary for the purity and 
the edification of his church. This authority they have from 
God who gave some Apostles and some Prophets, and some 
Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, for the perfecting 
of the saints, for the w^ork of the ministry, for the edifying of 
the body of Christ; and commanded them to teach all nations, 
to preach his gospel to every creature, to seek first his king- 
dom and its righteousness, and to labor as well as to pray that 
his name may be hallowed, that his kingdom may come, and 
that his will may be done on earth as it is in heaven,* (i. e., in 
all places, by all, and with delight.) This authority can neither 
be "elevated" nor depressed, neither "sustained" nor over- 
thrown, by any thing which men can do. But the benevolent 
institutions, which the zealous disciples and friends of Jesus es- 
tablish, bring together a great store of means, and a powerful 
co-operation of fellow christians, to enable ministers of the gos- 
pel more effectually to execute their Lord's commands. If this 
be what is meant by "elevating and sustaining the authority of 
the Priesthood," I should like to be informed what harm it can 
possibly do to the liberties or the happiness of man; or how Je- 
sus Christ himself can escape the reproaches of those who can 
see nothing but danger, harm and wickedness in it. 

If Christian ministers were aiming at temporal power, I can- 
not conceive how the institutions which they cherish could pos- 
sibly subserve their design. The learned and candid authors of 
the report refer us to the "history of by-gone ages" for proof 
of the danger to be apprehended from "a body of men, assum- 
ing to be the intepreters of the divine word, and the directors 

* Ephes. 4, 11, 12. Math. 28, 19, 20. Mark 16, 15. Math. 5, 33.— 
Math. 6, 9, 10. 



HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 283 

of men's consciences;" but they have not informed us by what 
means those wicked men established their tyranny and intro- 
duced so much corruption and misery into Christendom. Was 
it by supplying every destitute family with a copy of the Bible 
in the vulgar tongue? by distributing tracts in which the doc- 
trines of the Bible were stated and explained? by establishing 
Sunday Schools in which children, and especially the pooj, 
were taught to read, and were instructed in the Holy Scrip- 
tures? by publishing periodicals in which Christian doctrines 
and duties were freely discussed and illustrated? or by preach- 
ing repentance, faith in Christ, and holiness of life, and de- 
nouncing the wrath of God against impenitent and wicked men? 
By such means, the *' Piiesthood" might indeed have enlight- 
ened and improved their flocks, and made them happy, both in 
this world and in the next; but they could not possibly have 
established a priestly tyranny in the church. The people 
would have known what Christianity is: they would have un- 
derstood both their rights and their duties; they would have 
discerned the nature and design of the Christian ministry, and 
would have been in a condition to judge the claims and the 
conduct of their spiritual guides by the unerring rule of the 
Holy Scriptures. An iniquitous spiritual domination can sub- 
sist only where the people are very ignorant and superstitious. 
This the "ambitious Priesthood" of " by-gone ages" were sa- 
gacious enough to perceive, and they accordingly took the 
measures to introduce a sottish ignorance and superslition into 
the church. The Bible was taken away and shut up as a dan- 
gerous book; permission to read it could be obtained only as a 
special favor by a very few in whom the Priesthood confided ; 
and the people w^ere told that they must learn the w^ill of God 
from the lips of the priest only, and receive his statements as 
the oiacles of truth. The sermons which the people heard and 
the books which they were permitted to read, if they cOuld 
read at all, were filled with the senseless legends of pretended 
saints, and extravagant commendations of the pope, the saints, 
images, relics, pilgrimages, prayers and masses for the dead, 
&c., &c. It was denounced as an insolent impiety, if proof 
was demanded for the truth of any of these things. A con- 
tented ignorance and implicit faith in the infallibility of the 
church was, with them, the very summit of Christian excellen- 
cy. It was not even necessary that a Christian should know 



284 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

what the church beheved. It was sufficient if he admitted 
that, Avhatever it be, it must be true. An "overreaching and 
ambitious priesthood" claimed to be the interpreters of the 
word of God, and the directors of men's consciences. Putting 
themselves in the place of the Bible, they shut out the light 
from every other source of information, and demanded that 
their decisions should be received as the rule of men's faith and 
practice: and having thus got men's consciences into their pow- 
er, they filled their minds with superstitious trumperies, instead 
of healthful truth. It was in this manner that their wicked 
dominion was established. How long would their tyranny 
have lasted, if the priesthood of that age had changed their 
system, and adopted the measures which the enlightened meet- 
ing in Heidelberg so much reprobate in the Protestant clergy 
of the present age? It w^ould have disappeared in a very little 
time. The Reformers attacked, and in part demolished it, by 
preaching the same doctrine which is now preached ; by trans- 
lating the bible into the vulgar tongue, and circulating it as 
much as possible; by publishing great numbers of religious 
books and tracts; by establishing primary schools for the in- 
struction of youth, and seminaries of learning which were espe- 
cially designed to prepare young men for the ministry of the 
Gospel ; by catechising the children on Sundays, and compiling 
catechisms and other suitable books for their use; and, in short, 
by a system of measures the same in its nature and tendency, 
though somewhat different in its form, from that which is now 
pursued. If this system had been permitted to operate univer- 
sally, not a vestige of the priestly tyranny of Rome would have 
remained. The Hierarchy could maintain their ground, as far 
as they kept it, only by setting bounds to these operations, and 
extinguishing, as far as possible, the light which the Reformers 
had kindled ; and they effected this by fire and sword, by dun- 
geons and racks, by the terrors of the Inquisition, and by calum- 
nies which were designed, like those of the good men of Hei- 
delberg, to ruin the fair fame and destroy the influence of the 
men whom they opposed. Wherever this system can now 
operate in popish countries, it either destroys popery, or re^ 
forms it and bring it near in its spirit to protestantism. The 
pious and liberal portion of the Romish priesthood are its 
"warm friends and supporters. There are in that communion 
such men as Leander Van Ess. Rut the other part, who are 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 285 

intent only on the maintenance of their own po^ver and emolu- 
ment, treat it, as it was treated in the days of the Reformation, 
with anathemas, calumnies, and persecutions; and join very cor- 
dially in the sentiments and language of the meeting in Heidel- 
berg. 

If by the "elevating and sustaining of the authority of the 
Priesthood," these men, who have so much respect for the 
Christian religion, and for the office of the Christian ministry 
as an appointment of Jesus Christ, mean that the various in- 
stitutions and religious operations, which they oppose, will in- 
crease the influence of clergymen, I freely admit the fact to a 
certain extent. They will enlighten the public mind on the 
subject of religion, spread the influence of pure Christianity, 
improve public and private virtue, withdraw the aifections 
from earth to heaven, light up the hope of immortality, and 
open the fountains of divine consolation. In accomphshing 
this, they will place in a stronger light the excellency of true 
religion and the value of an intelligent and devoted ministry, 
and will consequently procure for those clergymen, who are 
men of the right character, a larger measure of confidence, re- 
spect, and love, and a more extensive influence than they would 
otherwise have enjoyed; but they will not increase the influence 
of a man in whom an enlightened and virtuous community can 
discern iio just claims to their esteem. He will succeed only 
among the ignorant and ungodly, who are like himself as he is 
like them. He might be popular with the corrupt party in the 
church of Rome; or figure at a meeting where Rible Societies, 
Sunday Schools, &c., are reprobated and denounced. He may 
raise himself to consequence and power where the people love 
darkness rather than light, and are not likely to discover his 
unfitness for the sacred office. But he must be a man of real 
merit, who can sustain himself in a community where there is 
much intelligence, much piety, and much devotedness to the 
Redeemer's cause; and his influence in it will be only in the 
proportion in which he deserves to be esteemed. It is the in- 
terest of preachers of low grovelling minds and little worth, to 
discourage every thing, by which the community may be en- 
lightened and improved, and a higher standard of fitness for the 
gospel ministry is raised ; or which may oblige them to more 
activity and self denial. Such men will not be the originators 
of Bible Societies, Sunday Schools, Theological Seminaries, 



286 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

&c. ; nor will they ever give them a cordial support, when 
others have originated them. If the meeting at Heidelberg- 
choose to select their preachers from this class, I beg leave to 
refer them to Paul's affecting charge to Timothy. — 
2 Tim., 4, 1—4. 

I am unable to comprehend how the influence which the 
Clergy may gain by the measures they have adopted and the 
objects they are pursuing, can possibly be dangerous to the 
liberties of the people. If their influence be in proportion to 
the confidence reposed in them by an enlightened and virtuous 
community ; if it be acquired by spreading christian knowledge 
and virtue, and by making themselves more useful and worthy 
of esteem; it can be dangerous to nothing but vulgarity, ignorr 
ance and vice. If by liberty the Heidelberg patriots mean li- 
centiousness, the whole matter is very clear: that sort of liber- 
ty is in much danger from such an influence; but if they mean 
by it the unrestrained enjoyment of the rights which God has 
given us, it is a thing which can only be safe where men are 
intelligent and truly virtuous. Nothing can be more conge- 
nial io it than the influence of a body of clergy whom such 
a people honor with their confidence. Nothing, on the con- 
trary, can be more pernicious to it than the principles of those 
who are at open war with Bible Societies, Missionary Socie- 
ties, Sunday Schools, Theological Seminaries, &c. 

The Heidelberg meeting ought to have known that the cler- 
gy are not exclusively the authors and promoters of these in- 
stitutions. They have been originated, supported, and promo- 
ted by associations of the zealous friends of the christian reli- 
gion, consisting of persons of both sexes and of every condition 
in life, of whom the clergy form but a very small part. They 
are not confined to any one denomination of Christians, nor to 
any one country, but are found in all Christendom, where any 
religious liberty exists. Among their supporters are a very 
large portion of the most intelligent, virtuous and patriotic citi- 
zens of every country ; whose opinions upon political questions 
and upon other points of religion are, in many instances, as op- 
posite as the Poles, and who would be induced to unite in no 
other common object than that of propagating the religion of 
Jesus Christ, and thereby promoting the Happiness of mankind. 
Many of these refuse to unite with general associations, prefer- 
ring societies composed exclusively of members of their o\vn re* 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 2S7 

iigious denominations, and designed to propagate their own pe- 
culiar mode of faith and worship; because that alone appears 
to them entirely scriptural ; but the main design is still the same, 
namely to spread the religion of Christ. 

Can it be imagined, without absurdity, that all these indi- 
viduals have conspired to raise "a corrupt Priesthood" over 
their own heads and to make themselves and their fellow chris- 
tians slaves? Do they contribute their money, their talents 
and their time to destroy the precious boon of religious liberty, 
for which so many myriads of Protestants, whose memory 
they cherish with the warmest affection, sullered the loss of 
all things, and so much christian blood was shed ; or are they 
ignorant of the design and tendency of their religious operations, 
the dupes of a crafty and wicked priesthood, and do they need 
to have their eyes opened by the more enlightened meeting at 
Heidelberg? So this singular publication w^ouldhave us to be- 
lieve ! 

But, it is urged, that these religious institutions are "com- 
mitted to ecclesiastical hands, or subjected to ecclesiastical 
control." The ignorant reader would infer from these words 
that the entire management of them is exclusively in the hands 
of clergymen. But this surely is not the truth. The business 
of every religious association is transacted by a Board of Mana- 
gers, elected by the associaton, of whom a part only are cler- 
gymen. The reason why clergymen are ajipointed is a very 
plain one. The confidence they usually enjoy, the nature of 
their office as ministers of religion, and their disengagedness 
from the distractions of worldly business, are supposed to fit 
them best for management of a religious or charitable institu- 
tion; but it is the moral and religious transactions only that re- 
ceive their attention: as Treasurers whose duty it is to man- 
age the pecuniary concerns of the institution, laymen are almost 
universally appointed. A report of their proceedings, together 
with a statement of the receipts and expenditures, is laid before 
the Society at its anniversary meeting, and is afterwards pub- 
lished for the information of the pubhc. If the members of the 
Heidelberg meeting had read the religious periodical, instead 
of proscribing them, they would have obtained some know- 
ledge of the subject which they have undertaken to expose ; 
and they would then have seen that the dangers, which have 
so much alarmed them, are like those that frighten children, and 



2S8 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNtlfiS. 

that they might very safely dismiss their fears and remain at 
home in peace. 

The officers of rehgious Societies receive no compensation 
for their services, except in those few instances where the du- 
ties of the office require so much attention, that they require 
the whole or a very large portion of the officer's time, and 
make it necessary that a suitable provision be made for his 
support. This is the case of the treasurers, secretaries, and 
general agents of some societies, whose business is very exten- 
sive. All others contribute their services gratuitously, and in 
addition to these contribute their money also. 

It is therefore no temporal advantage to clergymen, if they 
are appointed to the management of religious and charitable 
institutions. On the contrary, it is very often a disadvantage; 
and sometimes a pretty serious one too. Because religion and 
charity are considered more properly their concern, more is ex- 
pected from them than from other officers^ and they are obhged, 
for that reason, more frequently to attend meethigs and to take 
an active part in trr'.nsacting their business. A single clergy- 
man in one of our cities spends more time, labour and money, 
in the cause of humanity, without receiving any earthly com- 
pensation for it, than, perhaps, the whole meeting at Heidel- 
berg, officers and all, have ever devoted to that object. On 
this account selfish, covetous and narrow-minded clergymen, 
usually avoid all connexion with these institutions, and still 
more with the management of them; or, if they cannot lor 
shame avoid it, are very heartless and negligent in it. 

This report produces not a single argument or fact to show 
that these institutions have been abused, or that their tendency 
is dangerous, or that their authors and promoters • are corrupt 
and plotting men. All this is insinuated again and again, with 
sufficient boldness; and it is abundantly evident that, if proof 
were at hand, it would be triumphantly exhibited ; but these 
righteous judges content themselves with merely resting such 
heavy charges upon opinions- for entertaining which they assign 
no reason: "We regard," "We consider," "It is our sincere 
opinion," &c., &c. This it seems must suffice. The public 
must believe them, because they think so: and upon this ground 
all the friends of religious and charitable institutions, who en- 
deavor by such means to diffuse the religion of the Bible, are 
denounced as " hypocrites seeking their own aggrandizement, 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANOIC COUNTIES. 289 

or deluded fanatics, whose blindness seeks to involve twelve 
millions of free and happy people between the fangs of an over- 
reachino- and ambitious priesthood," and ministers of Christ, 
who cannot conscientiously abandon these institutions, are to 
be driven from their pulpits and churches, and turned out upon 
the world together with their families, without bread or shel- 
ter I !I Here are patriotism and Christianity with a vengeance. 
If this be not the spirit of popery in its worst form, I have yet 
to learn what that spirit is. O shame upon such professors of 
religion — such members of a Protestant church! 

There is a good reason to baUere that the master spirits, 
both at this meeting, and at the former one in Lancaster coun- 
ty, were some intriguing infidels; some wolves in sheep's cloth- 
ing. Of these our country has enough; and that section of it 
is not without them. By these an ill informed and credulous 
body of men are wrought into a phrenzy of passions by repre- 
sentations that their liberties are in danger. I have been in- 
formed, by good authority, that the author of the report and 
resolutions adopted by the meeting in Lancaster county, is the 
editor of an irreligious publication called the German Reformer. 
This second production, contains abundant internal evidence of 
a similar authorship. How much of it the meeting at Heidel- 
bern understood, I know not. I bsliere that what they have 
done was done in their ignorance, and I am disposed to pray in 
their behalf, "Father, forgive them for they know not what 
they do." I have the satisfaction to know that no clergymen 
in connexion with our Synod had any connexion with this un- 
worthy transaction. — Mag. Ger. Reformed Church. 



25 



ADDENDA 



Every effort made to ameliorate the condition of man or to 
alleviate his pains and sufferings, should claim the attention of 
the philanthropist. To bring to notice, and preserve to future 
days, an effort of the kind, the following has been introduced : 

MEDICAL FACULTY OF BERKS COUNTY. 

The practising physicians of this county, having associated 
and become a body politic in law, under the above style and 
title, met agreeably to public notice, on Saturday evening, the 
7th of August, 1824, at the public building of this borough, and 
duly organized their institution. 

Doct. Isaac Hiester was called to the Chair, and Doct. 
Charles Baum appointed Secretary. 

The charter and by-laws having been read, the following 
gentlemen were elected officers for the ensuing year, 
Isaac Hiester, M. D,, President. 
C. L. Schlemm, M. D. { y. p^,,,.^,^^_, 
John B, Otto, M. D. \ ^^'^ rresiaents. 
Charles Baum, M. D., Recording Secretary. 
iLLl^yZ^^l I Corresfns.Seerys. 
George Eckert, M. D., Treasurer. 
Dr. Bernard M'Neil, \ p..^^^ 
Dr. Gerh. G. Bishop, \ ^^'^«^^^'^- 

The President delivered a short address to the association^ 
and then proceeded agreeably to the by-laws to appoint a stand- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 291 

jng committee of three members for the examination of candi- 
dates for the grade of junior membership. The following gen- 
tlemen compose the committe, C. L. Schlemm, M. D., John B, 
Otto, M. D., and Charles Eaum, M. D. 

The following resolutions were then offered, discussed and 
adopted. 

Resolved, That the members of the Medical Faculty be re- 
quested to furnish monthly to the corresponding secretaries, a 
list of the diseases and deaths that may occur in their respec- 
tive neighborhoods, and an account of the general health of 
the county, together with such remarks as they may deem pro- 
per for publication. 

Resolved, That it is expedient to apprize the public of the 
existence of small pox in this borough, and that inaFmuch as 
this body retains undiminished confidence in vaccination, this 
mild and safe preventative be strongly reccmmended in all cases 
deemed liable to the infection of that loathsome and too often 
fatal disease. 

Resolved, That the students in medicine of Berks county 
have permission to attend the meetings and deliberations of this 
body. 

Resolved, That one hundred copies of the constitution and 
by-laws of the medical faculty of Berks county, be printed in 
pamphlet form, under the superintendence of a committee con- 
sisting of Drs. Otto, Baum and Bishop, and that the proceed- 
ings of this evening, together with the inaugural address of the 
president, be published in the several papers of this borough, 
signed by the President and attested by the Secretary. 

On motion. Resolved, That the President deliver an oration 
in public as soon as may be convenient, in the name and on 
behalf of this faculty. 

The faculty adjourned to the next stated meeting on the first 
Saturday in October next, at 7 o'clock, P. M. 

Charles Baum, Recording Secretary. 



ADDRESS. 

Gentlemen of the Medical Faculty: — My warmest acknow- 
ledgments are due to you for honoring me, by an unanimous 



292 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

vote, with the first office of your society ; and the best pledge 
I can offer of my future zeal for its prosperity, is the interest I 
have already taken in its establishment. 

Now that our institution, (which is the first of the kind in 
Pennsylvania, except the college of physicians and medical so- 
ciety of Philadelphia,) is organized, permit me to remark that, 
we commence our operations under auspices solemn and impres- 
sive. We have not, like those of most other associations, chosen 
to form ourselves into a self constituted body, liable to be dis- 
solved by every adverse breeze; but have boldly demanded the 
sanction of the proper authorities, and we found our existence 
on the permanent basis of an act of incorporation. 

The invitation we have thus virtually given to the profes- 
sion elsewhere, and to the public generally, to mark our origin 
and observe our progress, imposes upon us new and weighty 
obligations, in addition to those ordinarily incumbent on the 
practising physician. Carefully to observe diseases, diligently 
to watch their immense variety of symptoms, and faithfully to 
charge the memory with the effects of remedies, as guides in 
future practice, are duties indispensable to every practitioner 
who aims at individual excellence: But associated as we now 
are, for the avowed as well as substantial purpose of improving 
medical knowledge in this part of the country, and thereby en- 
larging our usefulness to the community, more will justly be 
expected from us in our collective capacity. " I hold," says 
Lord Bacon, " every man a debtor to his profession ; from which 
as men of course do seek countenance and profit, so ought they 
of duty to endeavor themselves, by way of amends, to be a 
help and an ornament thereunto." The imperfect state of the 
medical profession in common wnth all others, its dependence 
mainly, for improvement on an accumulation of practical facts, 
and above all its inunense importance to mankind, renders it pe- 
culiarly incumbent on its members, wherever they may be loca- 
ted, to contribute their aid to its advancement. Dispersed, 
however, as we are, in different parts of the country, and con- 
lined to oar respective circles of practice by a pursuit at once 
arduous and painful, we have little leisure, and perhaps less in- 
clination to commit to paper, for the inspection of others, the 
results of our individual experience and observation. Insulated 
with regard to our professional brethren, the only competent 
judges of our merit, and accustomed to the indiscriminate 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 293 

praises of our patients, we are in continual danger of mistaking 
the reputation we enjoy for actual superiority of skill; while we 
daily drop in the rear of our contemporaries by neglecting to 
cultivate those vast accessions of knowledge to our science that 
so pre-eminently distinguish the age in which we live. — 
Without the advantage of a frequent exchange, and comparison 
of knowledge with our jarethren in practice, we are inclined to 
listen to the suggestions of vanity, and imagine ourselves stand- 
ards of perfection, while we glide into a dull routine of prac- 
tice exclusively founded on our own limited experience. The 
solemn obligation of every practitionei-j to bring to the bed- 
side of his patient the most enlightened vicAvs of disease, and 
the best curative means, afforded by the present state of the 
healing art, is forgotten, and there is a disposition in cases of 
failure, to seek refuge from the reproaches of an offended con- 
sciences in the miserable reflection that "we have done our duty 
to the best of our knowledge." An unlimited sanction is thus 
given to indolence or ignorance, as the case may be ; while the 
high responsibilities, and real dignity of the profession in re- 
lieving the sufferings of our fellow creatures, and preserving 
human life, are lost in their subserviency to a sordid subsistence, 
and prostituted to purposes purely mercenary. Deprived of 
professional intercourse, and little inclined to invigorate the 
judgment by study and reflection, our intellects tend to assimi- 
late with those of our associates as certainly as heat tends to 
an equilibrium; and such, moreover, is the disposition of the 
human mind to collapse, that without the application of power- 
ful incentives, the mere practising physician is especially liable 
to deteriorate rather than improve. Other professions would 
seem to have the advantage of being better comprehended by 
the mass of mankind, than that of medicine. Law and theolo- 
gy, although abstract sciences in their extended ramifications, 
are nevertheless founded in the constitution of human nature. — 
As every one has a sense of Deity, which is the origin of the 
one, so every individuai has a sense of right and wrong, which 
is the 5«5-structure of the other science ; but where is the man 
who without much study, and a knowledge especially of anato- 
my, and the laws of the animal economy, can clearly compre-? 
hend a sino-le disease? While the lawyer therefore, or the 
divine, may be said to meet with a professional companion in 
some measure, in every one with whom he is disposed to con-? 

25* 



294 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Terse, the physician alone feels himself a stranger in thought, 
in language, and in action. Whatever may be his stock of 
knowledge when he begins his career in practice, he soon dis- 
corers, if he was not before aware, that he has been taught a 
science and a language not intelligible to any one out of his 
profession. To avoid the imputation of pedantry, he retreats 
within himself, and is in danger of losing not only the principles 
but even the very nomenclature of his science. To counteract 
such tendency by creating a spirit of generous emulation, to 
elevate the profession by exciting a thirst for general know- 
ledge, and to cultivate a taste for observation and inquiry by 
combining the efforts and skill of physicians in various parts of 
the country, are surely objects worthy of our institution. 
ISAAC HIESTER, M. D., President. 
Attest : Charles Baum, Secretary. 



BRIEF SKETCH OF THE HIESTER FAMILY. 



The name of Hiester is so extensively connected with the 
general and State governments, that a brief sketch of the family 
may not be uninteresting. Their remote ancestors were of Si- 
lesian origin. From that country they were distributed 
throughout Austria, Bavaria, Saxony, Switzerland, and the 
jCGuntries bordering on the river Rhine. The immediate ances- 
tors of the present race of that name in this country, emigrated 
from Witzenstein, in Westphalia, and arrived in America in the 
early part of the 18th century. They consisted of three bro^ 
thers, Daniel, John, and Joseph, who all took up their resi- 
dence in the first place at Goshen-hoppen, then in Philadelphia, 
now in Montgomery county. Here Daniel at once purchased 
a farm which was somewhat improved. After exploring and 
becoming better acquainted with the country, they united in 
purchasing from the Proprietary government, between two and 
three thousand acres of land in Bern township, now Berk? 
county. Here John and Joseph settled, while Daniel remained 
at the old homestead. Having thus, with the characteristic 
prudence of those primitive days, first secured the means of 
supporting families, they next, in due time, formed matrimo- 
nial alliances with American women, and "set themselves down, 
each under his own vine and fig tree," to enjoy, in the pursuit 
of Agriculture, the fruits of their virtuous enterprize. 

As they had been induced to leave their own native country 
by the vassalage of an oppressive government, which exacted, 



296 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

not only onerous taxes, but also a portion of the time and labor 
of its subjects, they naturally cherished in the minds of their 
deseendants, a lofty spirit of freedom. Accordingly, when the 
revolutionary war broke out, they were among the first to en- 
roll themselves in the list of "Associaters." The efficient ser- 
vices of this class of citizen soldiers, which were organized by 
electing two Brigadier Generals at Lancaster on the 4th of Ju- 
ly, 1776, afterwards rendered in the campaigns of N. Jersey, 
N. York, Delaware, and the lower parts of Pennsylvania, is a 
well known matter of history. Daniel, of Montgomery, John, 
of Chester, and Gabriel, of Berks, the three eldest sons of 
Daniel, entered the service as field officers, the two former with 
the rank of Colonel, and the latter with that of Major. Wil- 
liam, the fourth and youngest son of Daniel, although also en- 
rolled, did not, on account of his extreme youth and the infir- 
mity of his aged parents, serve more than one campaign. Jo- 
seph Hiester, afterwards Governor of Pennsylvania, the only 
son of John, entered the service as a captain in the " Flying 
Camp," and having been made a prisoner at the battle of Long 
Island, and confined on board the notorious Jersey Prison Ship, 
New Jersey, he was, after his exchange, promoted 1 o the rank 
of Colonel. After the war, he and his two cousins, Daniel and 
John, were elected to the rank of Majors General of the militia 
in their respective districts. The popularity these men gained 
by their devotion to country, and the pubhc spirit during the 
eventful struggles of the revolutionary war, never forsook 
them. After the conclusion of peace, they all enjoyed, by the 
suffrages of the people, a large share in the councils of the State, 
and general Government. General Daniel Hiester was the first 
representative in Congress, under the present constitution, from 
Berks county, of which he had in the meantime become a citi-; 
zen. In 1796 he removed to Maryland, where he was again 
repeatedly elected to the same office, from the districts com- 
posed of Washington, Frederick and Allegheny counties, until 
the time of his decease, which occurred at Washington city, in 
the Session of 1801 — 2. Joseph Hiester was elected a mem- 
ber of the convention which met in Philadelphia, in November, 
1787, to consider and ratify, or reject the present constitution 
of the United States; and in 1789, he was a member of the 
convention which formed the second constitution of this State. 
Under that constitution, he and Gabriel Hiester, who had also 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 297 

been a member of the convention which formed the first State 
constitution, were repeatedly elected to the legislature, the lat- 
ter continuing either in the Senate or House of Representatives, 
uninterruptedly, for nearly thirty years. General Joseph Hies- 
ter, after the removal of Daniel to Maryland, represented his 
district, composed in part of Berks county, in Congress, and 
about the same time General John Hiester, was also chosen a 
member of the same body from Chester county. Both 'were 
re-elected for a series of years — the former, until he resigned in 
1820, when he was elected Governor of Pennsylvania, and the 
latter until he declined a re-election, and retired to private 
life.* 

* See pages 175 to ISO, antea. 



HI ST ORY 



LEBANON COUNTY. 



CHAP TEH I. 



LEBANON COUNTY ERECTED. 



It hasbeenshown, in a preceding page, (117,) that Philadelphia, 
Bucks and Chester counties were estabhshed in 1682; Lancas- 
terjn 1729; York in 1749; Cumberland in 1750; Berks in 
1752; which, prior to that time, was a part of Lancaster coun- 
ty, as well as Lebanon ; and afterwards, till 1785, when Dau- 
phin county was separated from Lancaster, embracing the whole 
of Dauphin and Lebanon counties, till then. 

Lebanon county was formed from parts of the counties of 
Dauphin and Lancaster, by an act of Assembly, passed Febru- 
ary 16, 1813. Its present limits are as follows : 

It is bounded on the north-east by Berks and Schuylkill 
counties, on the south-east by Lancaster, on the south-west and 
north-\vest by Dauphin; length and breadth, seventeen miles- 
containing two hundred and eighty-eight square miles— being 
a little more than one-fourth the superficial area of Berks county. 

Though Lebanon is small, yet it is one of the finest counties 
in the Stale of Pennsylvania. It forms a part of the great 
transition formation, lying chiefly between the south mountain 
and the Kittatiny range. "It is distinguished for the fertility 
of its soil, and the value of its agricultural productions. The 
26 



1302 historV of berks a^td Lebanon counties. 

limestone land is generally considered the best ; but in the cal- 
'careus portions of the slate formation, there are many excel- 
lent and highly productive farms."* 

The greater proportion of the original settlers of this part of 
Pennsylvania, was German, except the western and north-wes- 
tern part of Lebanon county, Londonderry township, which 
was originally settled by Scotch and Irish, whose descendantSj 
however, have nearly all disappeared, and given place to the 
present industrious, frugal and thrifty German population. 

The history of the early settlements and Indian raassacreSy 
is so completely merged with the history of Berks, that Uttle 
of interest, separately considered, remains to be noticed. Be- 
sides, but little has been preserved, by record or tradition, of 
the early history of the portion embraced within the present 
limits of Lebanon county. What has been preserved, and what 
has been gleaned, is, however, of an authentic character. The 
best sources have been resorted to. 

In the history, as well as the topographical description of the 
townships of this country, Lebanon township being among the 
first settled and organized, claims precedence. 



LEBANON TOWNSHIP. 



Lebanon township was, till 1739, a large township, when iii 
May of that year, the Court of Lancaster, ordered that Bethel 
township be erected, which was then bounded as follows: — 
"That the division line begin at Swatara creek, at a stony 
ridge, about half a mile below John Tittle's, and continuing 
along the said ridge easterly to Tolpehocken township, to the 
northward of Tobias Pickels, so as to leave John Benaugle, 
Adam Steel, Thomas Ewersly and Mathias Tise, to the south- 
ard of the said line ; that the northernmost division be named, 
and called Bethel — the southern division continue the name 
Lebanon. When Berks county was erected the greater part 
of Bethel was included by and separated with that county. 

Lebanon township was first settled by Germans; many of 
whose descendants are still the owners of their ancestors' 

* C. B. Trego's Geog; of Pa., p. 274. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 303 

first warranted lands. The first settlers of the county were 
some families of the Tulpehocken settlements, in the western part 
of it — now within the eastern limits of Lebanon. These have 
been noticed before. 

The rude huts, erected and occupied by these and others of 
the first settlers, have long since peiished, and in their stead, 
others were erected, and these in their turn are superseded by 
others of more durable materials, and more commodious. Where 
the scrub oaks stood thick, there are now highly improved 
farms, fertile fields, and smiling gardens. The persevering ef- 
forts of the husbandman are richly crowned. 

The first settlers, for the want of better ones, had to help 
themselves, as well as they could, with simple and rude uten- 
sils, furniture and fixtures, both culinary and agricultural ; their 
accommodations and comforts were agrestical. Wide contrast 
— instead of puncheon floors, carpets deck smooth plained 
ones. 

One instance — hundreds might be given — of the first settlers 
in this township will be noticed. The writer's father's mater- 
nal grandfather, Michael Burst, a Palatine, on arriving in Phi- 
ladelphia, in August 1729, wended his course by Manatawny 
and Tulpehocken, westward some seventy-five miles into the 
wilderness, from the town of Philadelphia, squatted among the 
Indians, on a tract of land two miles north-west from the pre- 
sent site of the town of Lebanon. The farm is now owned by 
Joseph Light, near Lebanon. 

Burst's nearest white neighbors were the Noacres and Spy- 
kers, and others, who had settled in 1723 to 1729, at the west 
€nd of the Tulpehocken settlement. To answer his wants, he 
erected a cabin or hut — not unlike the shantees put up by the 
Irish a few years ago, near the same place, when excavating 
the canal. 

When Michael Burst ,or Boarst, left Germany for America, 
he was accompanied by rising of seventy Palatine families, 
making in all about one hundred and eighty persons. They 
were imported in the ship Mortonhouse, James Coultas, master, 
from Rotterdam, but last from Deal, as by clearance thence 
dated, 21st of June, 1729, They arrived in August, and signed 
the following declaration the 19th of August. 

We, subscribers, natives and late inhabitants of the Palaiinate 



304 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

upon the Rhine, and places adjacent, having transported our- 
selves and families into this Province of Pennsylvania, a colony 
subject to the crown of Great Britain, in hopes and expectation 
of finding a retreat and peaceable settlement therein, do solemn- 
ly promise and engage, tliat we will be faithful, and bear true 
allegiance to his present Majesty, King George the Second, 
and his successor, King of Great Britain, and will be faithful 
to the Proprietor of this Province; and that we will demean 
ourselves peaceably to all his said Majesty's subjects, and 
strictly observe and conform to the laws of England, and of 
this Province, to the utmost of our power, and best of our un- 
derstanding. 

Among others who sailed in the same ship, were the follow- 
ing: — John Philip Rank, John Miller, Michael Urelick, Jacob 
Bowman, Dirick Adam Weidle, John Rice, Christopher Bum- 
garner, Johannes Orde, Jacob Fetter, Jacob Eshelman, Chris- 
topher Fry, Jacob Over, David Mantandon, Martin Alstadtant, 
Adam Schambach, Valentine Fikus, Conrad Kilhnor, Johannes 
Brinkler, Casper Dorest.* 

The region of country in which he located, was previously know'n 
among the Indians as "Quitopahecla,'' i. e.. Snake Harbor ; for 
Burst's first work, in the morning, was, to kill snakes, in and 
outside of the hut. For the want of earthen ware, they used 
gourds or calabashes, as drinking cups, and for "milk pans." 

Burst's location formed a kind of nucleus for a more dense 
and extended settlement. George Steitz soon followed Burst, 
and located south-east from him, on the Quitopahila creek. 
The greater proportion of land between Steitz's and Burst's, 
w^as located by Casper Wiester, the brass button-maker, (and 
son-in-law^ of Mr. Zimmerman, of Lancaster county,) who sold 
several hundred acres, in 1738, to John Licht, grandfather of 
Joseph Licht ; or, as now spelt — Light. The Deed describes 
the southern boundary of this farm, "South by George Steitz's 
settlement," &c. 

Among others who settled in and about Burst's and Steitz's, 
besides Licht, at this period, were Peter Kuecher, Martin 
Meylin, Henrich Klein, John Adam Kettring, John George 
Hederick, Jacob Rieger, Anastatius Uhler. Though many of 
them commenced with small means, they acquired so much of 

* Col. Rec. iii 390. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 305 

this world's goods, as to render them not only comfortable, but 
many grew rich. From the subjoined inventory of goods and 
chattels, the property of Michael Burst, deceased,* it will be 
seen that he was well calculated to settle in a new country. It 
is evident he had all the necessaries to get along, and help his 
neighbors too. 

Jinacconntofthe effects that belmiged tothedec'd, Michael Burst. 

Five head of horses and mares, £14, 10, 0. Eight 
head of cows, £13, 10, 0, £28 

Six sheep, £1, 10. The dec'd, Michael Burst's 

clothes, £1, 3, 3 10 

A gun, 6,y. Two spinning wheels, 8s. Woollen 
and linen yarn, £1, 3, 

A piece of linen cloth, £2. Two stone bottles 4^, 

Four books, £1. Two chests, 7s. A tailor's shears 
and goose, os, 

A hammer and anvil, 4^-. Two augurs and a draw- 
ing knife, 5s, 

A log chain, 13^. A plantation wagon, plough and 
gears, £2, 10, 

A cutting knife and steel, 9,?. Old iron tools, £1, 

Earthen ware, 4^-. Wooden vessels, 13^". Eight 
bags, 15s, 

A saddle and bri<lle, 10s. A sow and pigs, 12^. 
The plantation, £40, 

Debts owing to Michael Burst from Adam Clately, 
£8, 10, and Henry Peters, £4,10, 



This part of the county being the garden spot, soon a large 
number of families, jMennonites and others, settled thick around 
here. The massive three story house, with a " hipped roof," 
erected by John Licht in 1742, was a regular monthly meeting 
place, where the Mennonites met for worship. The Moravians 
also had a house of worship erected prior to 1743, hard by the 

* Michael Burst died in 1741. The widow, Barbara Burst, administered, 
entered into bond, to faithfully execute her trust. Her sureties were George. 
Sleitz and Ana.>tatius Uhler. Bond, entered at Lancaster, Nov. 3. 1741, 

26* 



1 

2 


17 a 

4 


1 


10 





9 


3 
1 


3 0, 

9 


1 


12 


41 


2 0. 


13 





£99 


15 



306 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Quitopahilla, a mile east of the present site of Lebanon, and a 
few hundred yards north from the stone Oratorium, which w^as 
built in 1750. 

The Moravian communion was considerable. In 1748, they 
held a synod for the transaction of ecclesiastical business in the 
wooden building, on the banks of Quitopahila. Loskiel 
says : 

"Soon after Bishop Cammerhofs return from Shamokin, a 
synod was held in Quitopahila ; in which the mission among the 
Indians was considered with much attention, and the following 
principles reviewed and approved: 

1. The Brethren do not think, that they are called to bap- 
tize whole nations; for it is more to the purpose, to gain one 
converted soul, than to persuade m.any to take merely the 
name and outward form of Christianity. 

2. We are not discouraged by the d?.ngers and hardships at- 
tending the labor among the heathens, but always bear in re- 
membrance, that our Lord endured distress and death itself, to 
gain salvation for us, and rested not till the great work was 
finished. If, after the most strenuous exertions of soul and 
body, one soul is gained for Christ, we have an ample re- 
ward. 

3. We will continue to preach nothing to the heathen but 
Jesus, and him crucified, repeating the same testimony of his 
gospel, till the hearts of the heathen are awakened to believe ; 
being fully convinced, that the power of the eross is the word 
of God, which is alone able to bring souls from darkness into 
light. 

4. The missionaries should never reject any heathen, not 
even the most abandoned and profligate, but consider them as 
persons, to whom the grace of Jesus Christ ought to be of- 
fered."— Loskiel, P. u. p. 108, 109. 

The names of the principal famifies connected with the He- 
bron station, or Quitopahila church, were Kuccher, Meylin, 
Klein, Kettring, Hederick, Rieger, Huber, Rathforn, Wagner, 
Waschebach, Olinger, Schmal, George, Teis, Trachsler, Re- 
wald, Mies, Urich, Danneberger, Heckedorn, Christman, Strue- 
big, Stoehr, Etler, German, Orth. 

Lebanon township'contained in 1750, nearly one hundred and 
thirty taxables, as appears from the Tax Duplicate. Adam 



HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 307 

Ulrich, was collector for that year. Their names have been 
preserved, and are as follows : 

Jacob Steiner, Ulrich Burkholder, Robert Boyd, John Esny, 
Jacob Helenger, George Berger, John Schnog, Michael Boarst, 
Benjamin Brechtbill, Jacob Maron, Joseph Gingerich, Christian 
Neave, Michael Gingerich, George Miller, Ulrich Zollinger, 
Nicholas Hiiber, Peter Smith, Wollerich Steiner, Baltsar Road, 
Peter Witmer, Martin Miley, Felix Landis, Henry Bowman, 
John Gerber, Jacob Stouller, Peter Gingerich, John Heisey, 
George Hetterick, Michael Holt, John Adam Schneider, Os- 
wald Neis, George Strohm, Jacob Woolf, Andrew Wild, Wil- 
liam Buroholder, Abraham Witman, George Peters, Leoiwrd 
Young, John Helams, Christian Better, Harman Egel, Daniel 
Seller, Abraham Corman, Michael Wambler, Jacob Diets, Ja- U)«c..,>^k* 
cob Meyers, Nicholas Neig, Jacob Hubman, Michael Schune- 
her, Adam Wenrich, Mathew Sti-awer, Henry Sanders, John 
Schalley, Philip Park, Jonathan Held, Ralph "Whiteside, John 
Troxel, Casper Lieper, John Licht, sen., George Elliger, Tho- 
mas Hammersly, John Hallenbach, Leonard Umberger, Thomas 
Clarke, John Clarke, Michael Polter, John M'Clintick, Rich- ^_ 
ard Robertson, Peter Gingerich, Jacob Geremor, Philip Bvers, 
John Brechtbill, Christopher Simonus, John Bernwalt, Henry 
♦Smith, Jacob Bian, Adam Bog, John Kreider, Henry Little, 
Jacob Graf, Christian Kreider, Christopher Mvers, Jacob Hers- 
berger, John Dewalt, Martin Houi, i'eier Woolf, Philip Olo- 
ger, Robert Warner, Conrad Braun, Adam Wolert, John 
tSchwob, George Schitz, Martin Hostetter, Geo. Huber, John 
Whitmore, Peter Hailman, Peter Yoder, Christian Lono-, Pe- 
ter Yerte, Nicholas Erb, Nicholas Ellenberger, John Mj^ers, 
Benjamin Noll, Jacob Freely, Adam Brand, Michael Teis, 
Philip Schaeffer, Henry Waschenbach, John Stohler, Thielman 
Waschenbach, Warner Fuller, John Licht, Michael Wagoner, 
Francis Reynolds, JohnEgesohn, Charles Schall}-, Christopher 
Meyer, Andrew Miller, Peter Ebersohl, Michael Bachman. 

That the increase of population was constant, will appear on 
comparing the names of the taxables of the above list with the 
names that follows, for 1755: 

Philip ShefTer, Jacob Sheffer, Michael Tyce, Adam Brand, 
Adam Brand, jr., John Brand, Abraham Smutz, Baniel Higen- 
dorn, Peter Kucher, George Hettrick, Jno. Light, jr., Jacob 



308 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Light, John Light, sen., George Steitz, John Miller, Peter 
Slosser, Herman OrendorfF, John Seiler, Martin HofF, Adam 
Weibel, Jacob Zolicker, John Schultz, Michael Singer, Henry 
Ushenbach, Jacob Gemberhng, Christopher Miller, John Adam 
Reifvvein, Conrad Ziegler, Jacob Schwobe, John Adam Miller, 
Conrad Wise, Hermau Eckel, John Atkinson, Jacob Creesman, 
Jacob Blaser, Michael Stegbed, John Keramerling, Bartholor 
mausKuntzelman, LenhartUmberger,AnastasiusUhler, Michael 
Wagner, Philip Meeshy, William Blegher, Peter Wolf, Nich- 
olas Ackerman, Jacob Heger, Dietrich W\-itzel, Christ. Bren- 
zer, Heury Ehler, Menhard Sebold, Geo. Elinger, Jacob Graff, 
Adam Bough, Christian Kreiter, Martin Kreiter, JohnKreiter, 
Henry Little, Christopher Mier, Felix Landis, Henry Bowman, 
Henry Smith, Jacob Giles, John Gerber, Philip Star, Conrad 
Brown, Jacob StoutFer, Peter Gingerich, Michael Gingerich, 
Jost Gingerich, John Hiesey, Michael Horst, Jacob Meyer, 
Adam Nicodemus, Geo. Diehl, Oswal Neave, Dorst Thomas, 
Christian Strohm, Jacob Schock, John Becher, Geo. Gloss- 
brenner, Geo. Huber, Philip Clinger, John Haushalter, John 
Dinius, Adam Steger, Martin Illy, Jacob Gi-aff, jr., John Cam- 
ber, Ralph Whiteside, Joseph Espy, Charles Shally, Michael 
Bachraan, Christian Burkholder, John Ebersohl, Michael Boor, 
Abraham Heit, Michael Boltz, Philip Rudesill, Jacob Frolick, 
Ludwick Shally, Geo. Berger, John Snook, Gerhard Etter, 
Michael Zimmerman, Christian Bloiich, Benj. Knall, Geo. Die-, 
trich, John Brechbill, Dewalt Lichty, Daniel Resor, Philip 
Byer, Michael Fernsler, Hans Ulrich Huber, Frederick Kauf- 
man, Nicholas Ellingberger, John Wilhelm, Peter Frank, John 
EUenberger, Nicholas Erb, Goo. Hopengortner, Peter Eschel- 
man, Christian Long, John Doner, Henry Xander, Peter Wit- 
raer, Casper Weaver, John Bachman, Ulrich Burkholder, Con-, 
rad Mintziger, Jacob Benedict, Mathias Boger, Henry Frick, 
Michael Wampler, Jacob Brenizer, Christian Miller, Jacob. 
Horschberger, Delman Klein, Jacob Wolf, Jacob Killinger, 
Jacob Beam, Peter Reise, Michael Henry, Michael Kinnert, 
Casper Seller, Peter Schweigert, Mathias Strayer, Christian 
Neave, John Huber, Richard Grain, Geo. Miatzer, Michael 
Ulerich, Ulrich Stephan, Martin Kerstetoi', Adam Ulrich, Hen- 
r\' Humberger, Thomas Clark, John Clark, Adam Steer, Henry 
Peter, Peter Yorty, Martin Mily, Adam Hailman, Abraham 
Kornman, Peter Hailman, Rudolph Miller, Peter Smith, Chris- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 309 

tian Herschberger, Nicholas Neii, Richard Robison, John Spi- 
ger, Andrew Weltz, Peter Kremer, John Siegrist, Michael 
JBoltz, Daniel Seiber, Abraham Weidman, John M'Clintock, 
John Casper Stover, Conrad Templeman, Abraham Sheafer, 
Ulrich Wampler, George Crusraan, Henry Smith, Henry Bow- 
man. 

Lebanon, the county seat, is in this township; little, how- 
ever, of its early history lias been preserved. There is a di- 
versity of opinion, even as to the time when it was laid out. — 
According to Robert Proud, who wrote a History of the Pro- 
vince between 1760 and 1773, "Lebanon was laid out about 
the year 1759; and in 1772, it is said to contain above two 
hundred good dwelling houses, many of them laige and well 
built of stone, dug out of the ground where the l»uses stand, 
and principally inhabited by Germans."* 

Another writer. Rev. George Lochman, D. D., whose op- 
portunities for research were favorable, and whose statement is 
worthy of credit, says, " Diese Stadt, Lihanon, ist im Jahr, 
1756 von George Steitz ausgelegt worden, und liegt an dem 
Fluss Quitopahilla (ein Indianischer Name, der auf Deutch, 
Schlangenloch heist.)! 

An eastern gentleman, S. Day, says, "Lebanon — Dr Steitze- 
town, as it was for a long time called, and still by many of the 
old Germans — was probably laid out about the year 1750, by 
one Steitze."! 

Touching Day's statement, it might, passing, be remarked, 
that there is nothing problematical as to the town being laid 
out. No German seems to doubt this. Ail agree it was laid 
out. As to the time when, there is some difference of opinion. 
As to this, there is some "guessing." 

The late Col. Adam Ritscher's father, was, says Day, one 
of the first settlers, and paid ground rent, as appears by re- 
ceipts still extant, as early as 1751, (1761?) He cleared the 
lot west of the one upon which his son Adam lived, from the 
forest then standing. § 

During the French and Indian war, this place being then 

* R. Proud^s His, Pa. ii. 284. 

t Evang. Mag. for 1812, vol. i, p. 20. 

t S. Day's His. Col. 420. 

I S. Day's His. Col. 420. 



310 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

already densely settled, was resorted to, as a place of safety,, 
by hundreds of fomilies, who fled from the frontier settlements,, 
to escape being murdered by the barbarous savages, whose cru- 
elty knew no bounds — they were insatiable. Sixty families 
had, at one time, taken shelter in the house of John Light, 
w^hich is still standing, and known among the people there, as 
the " Old Fort." The house of Mr. George Gloninger was 
also a place of usual resort. Besides these, and some other 
private houses, the Moravian church, erected in 1750, a mile 
and a half east of Gloninger's, was occupied by refugees, the 
principal part of whom had fled from the Moravian settlements 
in Bethel to\\mship.* Loskiel, alluding to this fact, says, " the 
savages continued to commit murders in Allemaengel — and a 
lance lost by them on the road, proved them to be some of the 
very people who attended the Congress (treaty) at Easton. 
Roving parties infested the borders of the country, the public 
roads, and all other places in which they found no re- 
sistance, so ;:hat the small colonies of brethren settled in Alle- 
maengel anr. Bethel, on Swatara, who had held out with un- 
common paience, were at last obhged to take refuge, the for- 
mer in Betilehem, and the latter in Lebanonf — this was in 
1756. So:ne of them soon returned again to their farms, and 
not a fev7 of them were surprised by the Indians and cruelly 
murdered, One .Tolm Spitler, son-in-law to Jacob Meylin, 
who was the grandfather of Martin Meyhn, of Jonestown, was 
shot dead "^-hile fixing up a pair of bars — his body cruelly man- 
gled. Mrs. Miley escaped by taking refuge in the watch-house, 
at her fiither's, a few miles from Stumptown. This happened 
in May, 1757. Spittler's mangled corpse was interred in the 
grave-yard at Hebron, near Lebanon. 

The following, touching the murder of Spittler, is found in 
the Records of the Hebron Church. " 1751, May den 16, 
wurde Johannes Spitler, jr., ohnweit von seinem Hause. an der 
Schwatara von moerderischen Indianern ueberfallen iifid ermor- 
dert. Er war im acht und dreisigsten Jahr seines Alters, und 
verwichenes Jahr im April, an der Schwatara auf genommen. 
Seine uebelzugerichttete Leiche wurde den 17ten May hieher 

* Loskiel, P. ii.,p. ISO. 

t There is still an old meeting house remaining at Swatara, in which ttia 
Jlev. Simon reaches occasionally. 



mSTORY OF BERKS Am) LEBANON COUNTIES. 811 

^ebracht, und bei einer grossen Menge Leute begleitet auf un* 
sern hiesigen Gottes-acker beerdigt. 

During the Revolutionary war of '76, many of the residents 
of this place, a few of whom are still living, took up arms in 
common with many of their fellow patriots, in defence of Ameri- 
can liberty, and were engaged in the battle of Trenton, N. Jer- 
sey^ December 25, 1776, when the Hessians were routed with 
great slaughter, and one thousand of them taken prisoners, and 
not a few of them taken to Reading, and to Lebanon, where 
they were confined in the old Lutheran Church in town, and 
the Moravian Church below town. Some of the citizens of 
Lebanon also took a part in the battle at Germantown, Octo- 
ber 4th, 1777. They constituted a portion of the Pennsylvania 
militia, three thousand strong, under the command of General 
Armstrong, whose march on this occasion, it is said, is enwrapt 
in mystery. "Some reports say, that he actually engaged the 
Hessian division of the enemy, others state that the alarm of 
the Americans retreating from Mr. Chew's stone house reached 
his ear, as the vanguard of his command entered Germantown, 
near the market house, and commenced firing upon the chas- 
seurs who flanked the left wing of the British army." But to 
return to the county town. In 1840, the following pensioners 
were still living in the borough ; George Hess, aged 79 years; 
Andrew Hoover, 75 ; Dilman Daup, 81 ; M. Weaver, 75 vears 
old. ♦" 

Lebanon, so called after the county, which was so named, as 
some suppose, in allusion to the Lebanon of the Scripture, a 
famous range of mountains in the north of Canaan, is pleasantly 
situated on a branch of Quitopaheela creek, twenty miles from 
the Capitol, and seventy-five rniles from the metropolis of the 
State, on the turnpike 5 and contiguous to the Union Canal. It 
is well laid out, and regularly built — the buildings are princi- 
pally of stone, or brick, and generally commodious, though there 
are but few large buildings in it, except the court house, which 
is a spacious and splendid edifice of brick, surmounted by a cu- 
pola. The county officers are in this building. In the area, 
in the centre of the borough, is a market house. There is, as 
a necessary indispensable, a jail; but, of late, it has had only 
.a few inmates. There are, in the borough proper, which was 
incorporated Feb. 20, 1821, about three hundred dwellings- 



31^ HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

some ten or more taverns, and a like number of stores, one grist 
mill, one clover mill, a foundry, and many mechanics shops. 

There are in this place a number of churches — the Lutheran 
which was erected in 1798, and dedicated the 3d of June — it 
is built of stone, with a large steeple. In 1808 it was supplied 
with an organ. The Lutherans had, previously, a log church, 
erected in 1766. Prior to that time, a congregation had been 
organized — they had held their meetings in a private house, 
rented for that purpose. 

The German Reformed church, was erected of stone about 
the year 1787, and is at present undergoing some alterations. 
A Catholic chapel of binck; a Methodist meeting house of 
brick; one owned by the Evangelical Association; a United 
Brethren Church ; a Mennonite meeting house are here. At pres- 
ent here is another Lutheran Church building under the pastoral 
care of Rev. J. Rothrauf. 

The respective pastors of these churches are the Rev. Ernst, 
of the Lutheran congregation, who officiates in German; Rev. 
Rothrauf, in EngHsh. The Lutherans number rising of four 
hundred members. The Rev. Henry Wagner is the pastor of 
the German Reformed church — this congiegalion numbers be- 
tween two hundred and fifty, and three hundred members. — 
The Evangelical Association has upwards of one hundred mem- 
bers — their pastors are, the Rev'ds Banner and Sailor. The 
Methodist Episcopal has about one hundrefl members; the Rev. 
Greenbank has the pastoral charge of this congregation. Rev. 
Steinbach officiates in the Catholic chapel ; number of members 
about eighty. The United Rrethern number probably twenty 
members. 

There are five Sabbath Schools here, and all well attended ; 
numbering between 500 and 600 children. The Borough contains 
404 families, and an adult population of 1092. The entire 
population, by the census of 1840, was, of the borough pro- 
per, 1,860. 

The Union canal passes contiguous to the borough, affording 
p-reat facilities to business, where the bustling, neat village of 
North Lebanon is growing up beautifully and rapidly. It will 
outgrow Lebanon proper. 

The means of education are favorable. There is a fine 
academy here, and ably conducted by Mr. Kluge, whose effi- 
cient system of instruction cannot be too highly appreciated. — 



falSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 318 

has been said that he is not sufficiently encouraged, because the 
importance of a proper education of youth, and its influence 
upon the habits and character, in after Hfe, do not seem to be 
well considered. This is to be much regretted. The academy 
contains between thirty and forty scholars. It was incorporated 
in 1816, to which the State made a donation of $2000. There 
is also a female seminary here, and it is said to be well con- 
ducted. All the young ladies in town and country should at- 
tend it. Where the acquisition of wealth is appreciated and trade 
understood, a bank would be deemed necessary — such an insti- 
tution is here — it is judiciously managed. The inhabitants are 
nearly all German, who usually, in addressing a stranger, speak 
in their vernacular tongue, though nearly all can speak some 
English. They are hospitable, frugal and industrious ; many 
of them own out lots, and may be seen at work, in summer, 
barefooted. 

There are several newspapers published here — of these some 
account is given when speaking of the " Press." Near the town 
is a stationary steam engine, by which water is raised from the 
Quitopahila and conducted to the canal ! ! 

The original boundaries of Lebanon township have, by re- 
ducing and dividing it, since its erection, June 9th, 1729, been 
materially changed. In 1729, its boundaries were thus defined : 
"Lebanon township beginning under the aforesaid hill, ,(i. e., 
the Kehtotoning'^ hill, above Peter Allen's,) at the north-east 
corner of Peshtank,f thence by the said hill, easterly, to the 
Tolpehocken manor, thence southerly by the said line, to the 
hills bounding Warwick township, thence by the said hills and 
township, westerl}-, to the corner of Derry, on Conewago, 
thence northerly by Derry and Peshtank, to the place of be- 
crinnino;." 

In 1739 it was reduced, by erecting Bethel township. In 
1830, it was bounded as follows : — but since, divided into North 
and South Lebanon — on the north, by Swatara and Bethel 
townships ; east by Jackson and Heidelberg townships ; south 
by Lancaster county, and west by Londonderry and Annville 
townships. Greatest length, eleven miles ; greatest breadth, 
seven miles — containing 44,700 acres of first rate land — surface 
very level, and principally limestone soil. The improvements 

* Kittatinny, or Blue mountain, 
t Paxton. 

27 



814 HISTORY OF BERKS A^D LEBAifON COUNTIES. 

are of the first rate order. There are many fine buildings in this^ 
township; 

North and South Lebanon are well watered. The Quitopa- 
hila creek, a beautiful, fine stream, flows through the borough 
of Lebanon, and in its course propels several mills. The Union 
Canal, and Reading and Harrisburg turnpike, pass through 
North Lebanon township. Iron ore is found in abundance — in 
South Lebanon, in the Conewago hills, and in the south part 
of this township. Cornwall Furnace, erected at the head of 
Furnace creek, is supplied with ore from these mines. The fur- 
nace is owned by B. Di Coleman. The streams are the head of 
Tulpehocken, Hammer creek, Kuder creek, Meadow run, and 
head of Conewago creek. 

North and South Lebanon, in 1840, contained seventeen 
stores, three lumber yards, eight grist mills, five tanneries, three 
distilleries, two breweries, three potteries, four printing officeSy 
three weekly papers and one periodical, one academy — fifty 
students, eleven schools — four hundred and twenty scholars. 
Population in 1830, 3,556 ; in 1840, 6,197, Tax valuation 
for North Lebanon in 1844, $569,465; county tax, S854 20. 
South Lebanon, $1,238,750 ; county tax, $1^858 13. 



BETHEL TOWNSHIP. 

Bethel township wns partof Lebanon tow^nship, till May,1739y 
when it was separated, by an order of Court, at Lancaster, It 
was divided, and bounded as follows, viz : 

" That the division line begin at S^^tara creek, at a stony 
ridge, about half a mile below John Tittle's, and continuing 
along the said ridge, easterly, to Tolpehocken township, to the 
northward of Toljias Pickel's, so as, in the course, to leave 
John Benauglcj Adam Steel, Thomas Ewersly and Mathias 
Tise, to the southward of the line — that the northermost divi- 
sion be named and called Bethel — the southern division contin- 
ue the name Lebanon." Bethel then embraced, also, what is 
now Swatara township and part of Union. 

When Berks county was erected ^ in 1752, part of this town- 
ship was separated and included within the limits of that coun- 
ty. It was, no doubtj so called after a colony of Moravians^ 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 315 

who had a small establishment on the Swatara, in this towm 
ship, called Bethel — the literal import of the term, is " the 
house of God." The Moravian colony, formed^here, was one 
among their first in Pennsylvania. In 1737, Mr. Spangenber^ 
ger, a Moravian missionary, having fulfilled his appointment in 
establishing the mission in Georgia, capie to Pennsylvania, 
where he remained for some time, and thence to St. Thomas, 
one of the West India islands, to hold a visitation in that mis^ 
sion. He then returned, and remained in Pennsylvania till 
1739. Through him, it is said, the United Brethren were made 
attentive to other Indian nations, especially the Iroquois, or Six 
Nations. Mr. Spangenbergcr received the first notice of them 
from Conrad Weiser, justice of the peace, and interpreter to the 
government in Pennsylvania.* 

They erected a church here about 1740. ' The Rev. Johan- 
nes Brand Mueller officiated here, about the year 1744. The 
names of their members are still preserved — a few of them we 
were permitted, by the politeness of the Rev. Henry Francis 
Simon, tlieir present pastor at Hebron, near Lebanon, to copy 
from the " Schwatarer Kirchen Buch, containing ein Verzeich-^ 
niss der Brueder der Gemeine und deren Kindern welche von 
den Bruedern sind getauft worden von April Anno 1743. 

Among their first members here, were Rudolph Hauck, Ja- 
cob Dueps, Wilhelm Fischer, Ludwig Born, Johan Frederich 
Weiser, Christian Bimmer, George Miesse, Jacob Gausser 
Thomas Williams, Franz Albert, Jacob Haentchy, Daniel 
Born, JMichael Kohr, Johannes Spitler, Bernhard Faber, Casper 
Korr. 

This township was originally, nearly wholly settled by Ger- 
mans and some French Huguenots : of the latter, was Franz 
Albert, a native of Deux-ponts, born in 1719, July 20, and who 
came to this country when a young man, and was afterwards 
cruelly murdered by the Indians, June 26, 1756. As early as 
1751, the following taxables resided in this township: 

John Ebrechi, James Macnees, David Fischer, Jacob Mire, 
Mathias Grey, Mr. Folk, Edmund Schnebly, John Schnebly, 
John Reynolds, John King, Abraham Siettler, Jacob Miley, 
Urbin Long, Peter Groff, Han JVickle Garst, Dewalt Garst, 
Philip Wolf, Rudy Huntsecker, Widow Gray, Widow Brecht- 

* Loskiel His. Mis. P. ii.. p. 4. 



316 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, 

bill, Casper Sherrick, Jacob Oberholtzer, Henry Wagoner^ 
Henry Dubs, Henry Souter, Peter Kenny, Christian Leaman^ 
Peter Clop, Adam Berger, Abraham Hnbbler, Wendel HeyL 
Earned Boughs, Jacob Weaver, Killian Long, Christian Long, 
Jacob Schnebly, Jno. Kneagy, Dewald JVabinger, Abraham- 
Grove, Jacob Wagoner, Adam Snider, Jacob Miller, Jacob 
Carner, Micholas Benner, Caspar Hisler, Frederick Tibbin, 
Jno. Bickle, Henry Bohn, He?iry Mark, Isaac Schnelby, Henry 
Kelker, John Martin, Henry Sietz, Crom Jacob Mire, George 
Miess, J\tcholas Wirrigh, Martin Kemmerling, Lxidwig Wai- 
ten, Andrew Hollo, Christian Lantz, Ada7n Kli?ie,. Christian 
Leaman, John Mish, Frederick Rudy, Peter Forster, Jacob 
Goldman, Joseph Stout, Wm. Jones, Samuel Stout, Andreto 
Kaufman, Conrad Gerhart, Valentine Gerkart, John IVingerd,. 
Henry Schnebly, Henry Stiegle, Ulrich Yeakle, Valentine Kei- 
fer, Peter Gray, John Bop, Philip Creesman, Thos. Mottern, 
George Fredrick, Anthony Jfagle, Casper Stover, jr., Isaiah 
Casaway, Peter Smith, Thornas Mayberre, Jacob Albert, Dan- 
iel Schuhy, Ludwick Schuhy, Michael Frantz, Mathias Loser ^ 
Conrad Lor, Gotlieb Torrom, JVicholas Schonty. 

During the French anil Indian war, notwithstanding there 
was a hne of provincial forts extending along the frontiers of 
Dauphin, Lebanon and Berks counties, intended as defences 
against the incursions of the savages, and as places of security, 
many of the inhabitants of this part of the county were most 
cruelly murdered, their houses burnt, their children taken cap- 
tive. In November, 1700, twenty persons were killed, and 
some children carried oft' by the Indians. " Shocking," says the 
Secretary of the Province, in his statement to the Assembly, 
"are the descriptions given, by those who escaped, of the hor- 
rid cruelties and indecencies, committed by the merciless sava- 
ges, on the bodies of those unhappy wretches, who fell into the 
hands, especially the women, without regard to age or sex, these 
fareiXceeds those related of the most abandoned pirates."* 

In June, 1756, the Indians again appeared in this township, 
and committed, in cold blood, cruel and deliberate murder. 

On the 8th of June, in the afternoon, between three and four 
o'clock, four or five Indians made an incursion, at a place 
called " The Hole," where the Great Swatara runs through the 

Prov. Rec. N., p. 342. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 317 

Blue mountain — they crept up, unobserved, behind the fence 
of Felix Wuench, shot hiin, as he was ploughing, through the 
breast — he cried lamentably, and run, but the Indians soon came 
up with him : he defended himself some time with his whip — 
they cut his head and breast with their tomahawks, and scalped 
Lim. His wife heard his cries, and the report of two guns — 
ran out of the house, but was soon taken by the enemy, who 
carried her, with one of her own and two of her sister's chil- 
dren away with them, after setting the house on fire and other- 
wise destroying property. 

A servant boy, who was at some distance, seeing this, ran to 
his neighbor, George Miess ; though he had a bad leg, w'ith his 
son, ran directly after the Indians, and raised a great noise, 
which so frightened tlie Indians, that they immediately took to 
their heels, and in their flight left a tub of butter, and a side 
of bacon, behind them. Mr. Miess then went to the house, 
which was in llames, and threw down the fences, in order to 
save the barn. The Indians had drunk all the brandy in the 
spring house, and took several gammons, a quantity of meal, 
some loaves of bread, and a great many other things with them. 

Had Mr. Miess not been so courageous, they probably would 
have attacked another house. They shot one of the horses ia 
the plough, and dropped a large French knife."* 

Shortly after committing the above mentioned murder, the Indi- 
ans killed a child of Lawrence Dippel's. The child was found 
cruelly murdered and scalped — a boy about four years old. 
Another lad about six years old was carried off.f 

On the 26th of June, 1756, the Indians killed four persons, 
scalped them, and shot two horses. Two men, Franz Albert 
and Jacob Haendsche, and two lads, Frederick Weiser and John 
George Miess, were ploughing in the field of one Fischer, W'ere 
surprised, murdered and scalped by the Indians, as appears 
from an extract taken from the Schwatarer Kirchen Buck : 

In dem Wilden Krieg sind folgende vier Brueder, Franz Al- 
bert, Jacob Haendsche, zwei Maenner; Friedrich Wieser und 
John George Miess, zwei Knaben, die in der Hohl welche, da 
sie daselbst auf des alten Fischers Feld, um der Gefahr wegen. 
gemein schaefthch pfluegten Nachmittags, den 26 ten Juli, 
1756, von den Wilden Indianern zugleich ploetzlich ueberfal- 

* Pa. Gaz.,,Tiine 17, 1756. 
; Pa. Gaz., June 17. 1756. 

27* 



318 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

len, getoedet und gescalpt worden; und Sontags den 27 ten 
Juni, mit einer Starken Bedeckung von Sold aten und auderer 
Mannschaft aus der Hohl gefahren und mit einem Starken Ge- 
folg von etwa zwei hundert Menschen, unter Eruder Friederich 
Schlegel's Liturgie, im Beysein des Binder Samuel Herrs, der 
auch zu der Zeit hierwar, zugleich auf unser Gottes Acker, 
unter einem Gotlesfrieden beerdigt worden. 

From the same book, it appears Franz Albert was born at 
Deux-Ponts, July 20, 1719 — he was a shoemaker by profession, 
formerly a member of the Reformed Church. J. Haendsche was 
a mason by trade, also formerly a member of the Reformed 
Church. Weiser was born May 21, 1740, and Miess, Septem- 
ber 28, 1739. 

The Rev. Muhlenberg relates, in the Hallische Nachrichten, 
page 1029, an affecting case of a widow woman, who called 
at his house in the month of February, 176o. This lady had 
been a member of one of the Rev. Kurtz's congregations. She 
was a native of Reutlinge, Wirtemberg — she and her husband 
had emigrated to this country, and settled on the frontiers ot 
this coimty. The Indians fell upon Ihem, October the 16th, 
1755 — according to her statement, the Indians killed the old 
man, one of his sons, and carried off two small girls, while she 
and one of her sons had been absent. On her return home she 
found their dwelling reduced to ashes — she then fled to the 
interior settlements at Tulpehocken, and remained there. 

The Rev. Todd, in his Sal'bath School Teadter, alludes to 
the same affecting incident. In addressing his youthful readers 
he says: 

You are aware, my dear pupils, that many of the early set- 
tlers of Pennsylvania came from Germany. Among the 'nu- 
merous emigrants, from that country, was a poor man with a 
large family. At that time "there were no schools here during 
the week, or on the Sabbath, and no churches. So the poor 
man used to keep his family at home on the Sabbath, and teach 
them from God's word — for he was a very good man. In the 
year 1754, a dreadful war broke out in Canada, between the 
French and English. The Indians joined the French, and 
used to go to Pennsylvania, burn houses, murder the people 
and carry off every thing they wanted. They found the dwel- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 319 

ling of this poor German family. The man, and his eldest boy, 
and two little girls, named Barbara and Regina, were at home, 
■while the wife, and one of the boys were gone to carry some 
grain to the mill, a few miles oft'. The Indians at once killed 
the man, and his son, and took the two little girls, one aged 
ten, and the other nine, and carried them away, along with a 
gi-eat many other weeping children whom they had taken after 
murdering their parents. It was never known what became of 
Barbara, the eldest girl; but Regina, with another httle girl 
of two years old, whom Regina had never seen before, were 
given to an old Indian woman, who was very cruel. Her only 
son lived with her, and supported her; but he was sometimes 
gone for several weeks, and then the old woman used to send 
the little girls to gather roots and herbs in the woods, for the 
old w^oman to eat; and w^hen they did not get enough, she used 
to beat them cruelly. Regina never forgot her good father and 
mother, and the little girl always kept close to her. She 
taught the little girl to kneel down under the trees and pray to 
the Lord Jesus, and to say over with her all the hymns which 
her parents had taught her. In this state of slavery these chil- 
dren lived for many long years, till Regina was about nineteen, 
and her little friend was about eleven years old. Their hearts 
all this time seemed to wish for that which is good. They 
used to repeat, not only the texts of Scripture which Reo-ina 
could remember, but there was one favorite hymn which they 
often repeated over. 

" In the year 1764, the kindness of God brought the English 
Colonel Bouquet to the place where they were. He conquered 
the Indians, and made them ask for peace. He granted it on 
condition that all the white prisoners should be given to him. — 
More than four hundred were brought to the Colonel; and 
among them, these two girls. They were all poor, wretched 
looking objects. The Colonel carried them to Carlisle, and 
had it printed in all the newspapers, that all parents who had 
lost children by the Indians, might come and see if they were 
among the four hundred poor captives." Parents and husbands 
went hundreds of miles in hopes of meeting lost wives or chil- 
dren. The collection amounted to several thousand, and the 
sight of beholding relatives, who had been cruelly sundered, 
again meet and rush into each others arms, filled the whole 
company with rejoicing. There was also mourning. Others 



320 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

who were disappointed in their expectations of finding relatives^, 
made much lamentation. Among them was " poor Regina's 
sorrowing mother. When she got to Carlisle she did not, and 
could not know Regina. She had grown up, and looked, and 
dressed, and spoke like the Indians. The mother went up and 
down among the captives weeping, but could not find her child. 
She stood gazing and weeping when Colonel Rouquet came up 
and said, 'do you recollect nothing by which your child might 
be discovered/' She said she recollected nothing but a hymn, 
which she used often to sing to her children, and which is as 
follows: 

'Alone, yet not alone am I, 
Though in this solitude so drear; 
I feel my Saviour always nigh, 
He comes the very hour to cheer; 
I am with him, and he with me, 
E'en here alone I cannot be I' 

"The Colonel desired her to sing the hymn as she used to 
do. Scarcely had the mother sung two lines of it, when poor 
Regina rushed from the crowd, began to sing it also, and threw 
herself into her mother's arms. They both wept for joy, and 
the Colonel gave the daughter up to her mother. Rut the 
other little girl had no parents. They had probably been 
murdered. She clung to Regina, and would not let her go, so 
she was taken home with Regina, though her mother was very 
poor. Regina began to ask after 'the book in which God 
speaks to us.' But her mother had no Bible — for the Indians 
burned her Bible when they burned her house, and killed her 
family. Her mother resolved to go to Philadelphia and buy a 
Bible, but her good minister gave her one, and it was found 
that Regina could read at once." — Todd's Sabbath School 
Teacher. 

The following is from M?-. Sarge, in answer to a letter ad- 
dressed him, on the subject of Indian incursions &c., he says : 

"In 1834, an uncle of mine purchased a farm, three miles 
from Fort Smith, the house then (in 1834) on this farm, was 
evidently also a Fort — tradition has it so — there are, besides — 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 321 

or were at least, when I saw the house in '34, marks of cor- 
roborating evidence, to conclusively show this to have been the 
case. The port-holes, though plugged when I saw the house, 
and the scores of partial perforations made in the logs by bul- 
lets or balls, concur to sustain the truth of tradition.. The 
house has, however, been since removed, and in its stead, ano-. 
ther is erected. The workmen, in sinking the cellar deeper, 
discovered a subterranean cave, which, it is surmised, served as 
a place of concealment and greater security for their wives and 
little ones, should the Fort be surprised by the Indians, in the 
absence of their men on their farms at work; for in those days 
the neighbors were, from want of necessity, compelled to aid 
each other on their farms, and at night all would resort to the 
Fort. 

Mr. Mies, some years ago, informed my father that two of 
his brothers fell a victim to gratify the destructive propensity of 
the Indians. The two brothers were ploughing, and thus were 
surprised by the Indians. One of them was shot dead on the 
spot; the other, for his hfe, made for the house; having nearly 
reached his goal, and while in the act of leaping a fence, a 
ruthless Indian, bard on his heels, sunk his tomahawk in tb« 
head of his victim — he expired instantly I 

A man by the name of Boeshore,"^ while returning from his 
farm in the evening, with his iaraily, espied some Indians near 
Fort Smith — he halted at that instant, an Indian levelled his 
deadly weapon at him, but fortunately, the bullet struck the 
cock of Boeshore's gun — for the gun was in that day a constant 
companion of the laboring man — his horses took flight and ran 
oir in the direction of the Fort. B. was, however, wounded 
in his left arm. The Indians were fired upon; night advancing, 
and the Indians retreating, nothing more was done till next 
morning, when the settlers traced blood in the trail toward the 
Little mountain." 

Bethel township has been materially changed since its first 
erection. It is bounded on the north-east by Schuylkill and 
Berks counties, south-east by Jackson township, south by North 
Lebanon township, and west by Swatara. Its greatest length 
is thirteen miles; breadth seven. It contains about thirty thou- 
sand acres of land — the northern part of which is mountainous; 
* Boeshore resided in Hanover township at the time. 



322 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIESo. 

the southern is level — and some of the best kind of soil, espe-<. 
cially that portion which is limestone — though the greater pro- 
portion is slate and gravel ; yet generally highly improved. 
Many of the buildings are good ; a few are still found covered 
with tiles. There is considerable taste displayed — though some- 
what grotesque — in the arrangements about their dwellings. 

This township is well watered. The principal stream is the 
Little Swatara creek, which rises at the base of the Kittatinny 
— or Elue mountain — in Upper Tulpehocken township, Berks 
county, and flows south-west, forming the boundary between 
Bethel and Tulpehocken townships, in Berks; thence it crosses 
Bethel and Swatara townships, LebanoM county, and falls into 
the Great or Big Swatara creek, about one mile below Jones-, 
town. It turns several mills. In its course, it receives, in 
Bethel township, Elizabeth run and Deep run. In the forks of 
the former lies Fredericksburg or Stumpstown. There are 
several other smaller streams in the township. 

In 1840, there were in this township, four stores, one fur- 
nace, one forge, three grist mills, one saw mill, two distilleries. 

Fredcricksbio'g — or Stumpstown — was laid out about the 
year 1754 or 1755, by one Stump. Among its first inhabi- 
tants were Stump, Snevely, Meily, Mauerer, the first tavern 
keeper in the place, Desch, Hauer and Siegfried. During the 
Indian WMr, it was a place of retreat for the white settlers on 
the frontiers. 

In 1827, a great part of the town was destroyed by fire ; 
but has since been rebuilt. It is pleasantly situated, in a fer- 
tile, and well improved country. It contains between sixty 
and seventy dwellings; nearly one hundred families; with a 
population of about seven hundred and fifty. The village con- 
tains three stores, three taverns, and the usual number of han- 
dicrafts; also a Union church, in which Lutherans, German Re- 
formed and Mennonites preach; also a church owned by the 
Evangelical Association. 

Population of Bethel township in 1830, 1,604; 1840, 1,662. 
Average tax valuation for 1844, $538,011; county tax, 
$807 01. 



HISTOaV OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. SSl; 



HANOVER TOWNSHIP. 

Hanover township embraced originally, when first erected, 
what is now Hanover, in Dauphin county, Hanover, Union, 
and part of Swatara township-, in Lebanon county. In 1729, 
when Lancaster was erectedj and additional townships were 
laid off, Derry, Lebanon and Peshtank, (Paxton,) embraced 
nearly all Dauphin and Lebanon counties, till 1739, when Be- 
thel was separated from Lebanon township. 

Peshtank township, out of which Hanover was formed, was 
bounded in 1729, as follows : — " Beginning at the mouth of 
Suataaro, thence up the river to Kehtotoning hill, above Peter 
Allen's, thence eastward by the south side of said hill, to the 
meridian of Quetopohello, thence on a south course to the 
mouth of the same at Suataaro, and down Suataaro to the 
place of beginning." 

Hanover township was erected, upon a petition of the inhab- 
itants of Lancaster county, presented at the February session 
of 1736-7. " It was divided on the west from Peshtank, (Pax- 
ton,) by Beaver creek, from its mouth to the mountain — from 
Lebanon on the east, and Derry on the south, by Swatara 
■creek, from Beaver to the forks, thence by the north branch 
to the mountain. 

Prior to 1751, Hanover was divided into the West End, and 
East End of Hanover; the latter is now, principally, if not 
wholly, embraced within the bounds of Lebanon county. Many 
of the original settlers were Irish, who had emigrated princi- 
pally from the north of Ireland. They were an enterprizing 
and daring race. Presbyterians by rehgious profession. Prin- 
cipally conspicuous as militant and triumphant members of 
community. They and their kindred of Paxton and Donegal, 
for many years bravely defended the frontiers against the Indi- 
ans; and finally, when no other means answered, slaughtered 
^^ friend and foe''' of the Indians. Allusion is had to "^Paxton 
affair^' in Lancaster.* 

The taxables in the East End of Hanover, in 1750, 
were the following: — Jacob Musser, Peter Hettrich, Mel- 
chior Henry, Thomas Proner, Henry Bachmiin, Conrad 

* See Appendix B, for a full statement of the "Paxton affair." 



324 HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBAN'Oi^T COUNTlfc'S. 

■Clatt, Anthony Rosebaum, Jacob Mosher, Esau Ricker, Wil- 
liain Clark, John Sibbins, John Schwar, James Young, John 
Gilleland, Peter Hahuan, Widow Work, Frederick Hoak, Jas. 
Sloan, Widow Gilleland, Jacob Sops, John Sops, P»,udolph Hake, 
Joseph Hoof, Benj. Clark, Kilhon Mark, George Tittel, Isaac 
Williams, Adam Clannean John Casnet, James Williams, An- 
thony Tittel, Dennis Keril, Mathias Boor, John Sloan, Daniel 
Ankel, William Young, Abraham Williams, James Clark, Mar- 
tin Lichty, Adam Roth, Ludwig Shits, John Stewart, John 
Foster, John Andrew, Walter McFarland, Joseph Brechtbill. 
William Robison, Philip Kolps, Onwal Jagle, Thomas Croil, 
Alexander Swan, Alexander Thomson, John Graham, Samuel 
Ainsworth, John Martin, Barnet M'Night, Widow Brown, 
John Humes, Andrew M'Keehan, Thomas Brewster, John 
Thomson, James Graham, John Cunningham, William Cunning- 
ham, Christopher Sies, John MeyeVs, Patrick Brown, John 
Andrews, John Strein, Antony M'Crath, George Shetley, Wal- 
ter Bell, Leonard Long, Adam M'Neely, John M'Clure, John 
Henderson, Wilham Woods, John Porterfield, Robert Haslet, 
John Crawford, William Watson, Henry Gantz, James Green- 
leaf, John Craig, Hugh M'Gowen, John Dickson, Joseph Will- 
son, Adam Miller, Edward M'Murray, Jacob M'Corraick, John 
Ramsey, James Stewart, Humphrey Cunningham, Robert Kirk- 
wood, James M'Coorey, William Thomson, Thomas Strain, 
Mathias Plank, Jacob Steiner, William Stoner, James Todd^, 
John Young, James Dixon, Robert Bryson, William Bryson, 
Daniel Andrew, David Stevenson, William Cathcart, William 
Crosby, Benjamin Ainsworth, Patrick Bowen, Adam Harper, 
Lazarus Stewart. 

These Irish Presbyterians — as they were called by some — 
defended their wives, children and country valiantly against the 
Indians. They were in good earnest. 

Lazarus Stewart was the one who proposed to his neighbors, 
to g'o to Lancaster and storm the castle — alluding to what took 
place in December, 1763, of which a detailed account will be 
given in the appendix, or close of the book. 

Th6 inhabitants of Hanover, in common with the frontier 
settlers, were repeatedly alarmed, some murdered, others car- 
ried off by the Indians. We cannot fully appreciate the suf- 
ferings of the original settlers of this part of the county. — 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 325 

They were not secure for one moment from being surprised or 
murdered by the savages lurking on the borders of these coun- 
ties. From 1755 till 1763, Lebanon and Berks counties were 
scenes of murder, burning of houses, &c. They were exposed 
to the cruel incursions of barbarous Indians, whose dehght was 
to shed human blood — who regarded neither age nor sex — all 
were, with them, alike objects of their cruelty. 

The 16th of November, 1755, a party of Indians crossed 
the Susquehanna — commenced their bloody deeds, and murdered 
thirteen persons. In the autumn of 1756, a company of ten 
Indians, came to the house of Noah Frederick, while ploughing, 
killed and scalped him, and carried away three children that 
were with him — the eldest but nine years old.* 

A large portion of the plantations had been abandoned in 
East and West Hanover townships. In West Hanover, the 
following persons had fled : — John Gordon, Richard Johnson, 
Alexander Barnet, James M'Caver, Robert Porterfield, Philip 
Robison, John Hill, Thomas Bell, Thomas Maguire, William 
M'Cord, Robert Huston, Benjamin Wallace, William Bennett, 
Bartholomew Harris, John Swan, James Bannon, William M'- 
Clure, Thomas M'Clure, John Henry, James Riddle, W^idow 
Cooper, David Ferguson, Widow De Armand, James Wilson, 
Samuel Barnetts, James Brown, Widow M'Gowin, Samuel 
Brown, Tliomas Hill, Jane Johnston, killed .f 

In the East End of Hanover, the following had fled : — John 
Gilliland, John M'Culloch, Walter M'Farland, Robert Kirk- 
wood, William RobisoQ, Valentine Stoffelbein, Adam Cleaman, 
Rudolph Fry, Peter Walmer, John M'Culloch, jr., James Raf- 
ter, Moses Vance, John Brooner, Jacob Mosser, Philip Mau- 
erer, Barnhart Beshore, Jacob Beshore, Mathias Beshore, Wil- 
liam M'Cullough, Philip Culp, Casper Yost, Conrad Cleck, 
Christian Albert, Daniel Mosser, John M'Clure, Lazarus Stu- 
art, Thomas Shirly, James Graham, Barnet M'Nett, Andrew 
Brown, Wilham Brown, Andrew M'Mahon, Thomas Hume, 
Thomas Strean, Peter Wolf, Henry Kuntz, William Watson, 
John Hume, David Strean, John Stuart, John Porterfield, An- 
thony M'Crath, James M'Curry, Conrad Rice, Alexander 
Swan, John Gream. The following were killed — Andrew Ber- 

* See page antea 64. 

t Se6 tax duplicate for 17oG, at Lancaster, in which these are noted as 
having fled when the collector called. 

28 



226 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

ryhill, John Creigh, and his son taken captive ; Samuel AinS^ 
worth's son was also taken.* 

A correspondence is mentioned in the Pennsylvania Gazette^ 
of May, 1757, stating, that " in a letter from Hanover, Lan- 
caster county, dated May 2^ 1757, the house of Isaac Snevely 
was set on fire, and entirely consumed, with eighteen horses 
and cows — and that on the 17th of May, five, men, and a wo- 
man, were killed and scalped by the Indians, about thirty miles 
from Lancaster, &c." The editor of that paper says. May 26, 
"We hear that more murders were committed — number uncer- 
tain, but it is thought there are about twenty destroyed, be- 
sides what may be carried off, and that the frontier inhabitants 
are in great distress, and moving from their plantations, &c.t 

The inhabitants of this region of country were kept in con- 
tinual alarm during the spring, summer and autumn of this year, 
on account of the murders committed by the Indians; One fails 
in the attempt to describe the perils of the frontier settlers at 
these times. The heart shrinks from portraying the scenes of 
horror — the barbarous murderers butchered the whites in the 
field — at their meals^n bed— at every unguarded hour. 

Who would not sicken to view, in imagination, scalps clotted 
with gore, mangled limbs, women ripped open, the heart and 
bowels still palpitating with life, and smoking on the ground — 
see savages swilling, as it were, human blood, and imbibing a 
more courageous fury with the human draught — see the living, 
not captives, fleeing for life, while the Indians are in hot 
pursuit! 

In a letter before us, dated Hanover, Lancaster county, Au- 
gust 11, 1757, it is stated, " That on Monday, the 8th, while 
George Mauerer was cutting oats in George SchefFer's field, he 
was killed and scalped ^ There is now," says the same writer, 
" such a severe sickiless in these parts — the like has not been 
known — that rriany families can neither fight nor run away, 
which occasions great distress on the frontiers. Had it not 
been for forty men, which the province has in pay, in this 
township, little of the harvest could have been saved, and as 
the time for which they have been engaged, is nearly elapsed, 
tlie inhabitants hope the government will continue them in the 
service, else the consequences will be dreadful. 

* See tax duplicate for 1756, at Lancaster, and page 66 antea. 
t See page aotea, 69-70. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 327 

The Pennsylvania Gazette of August, 1757, states, — "We 
team from Lancaster that there was nothing but murdering and 
capturing, that on the 17th of August, one Beatty was killed 
in Paxton, that the next day James Mackay was murdered in 
Hanover, and William and Joseph Barnet wounded. That on 
the same day were taken prisoners, a son of James Mackey, a 
son of Joseph Barnet, Elizabeth Dickey and her child ; and the 
wife of Samuel Young, and her child ; and that ninety-four men, 
women and children, were seen flying from their places, in one 
body, and a great many more in small parties, so that it was 
feared the settlement would be entirely forsaken." 

What rendered their condition still worse, nay hopeless, the 
fugitive and remaining inhabitants had no means to engage 
forces, rangers or scouters, to apprise them of the approach of 
Indians, and repel their incursions; and it was, it seems, in vain 
for them to appeal to a deaf government — their only appeal 
was to the sympathies of their fellow citizens for aid and means.* 
Patriotic individuals, who possessed means, would raise rangers 
at their own expense. John Harris, in an adjoining township, 
(Paxton) paid thirty men for their services as rangers, in watch- 
ing and preventing the inroads of Indians. Harris did this on 
more than one occasion. 

"On Monday, the 22d of May, Barnabas Tolon was killed 
and Scalped in Hanover township. And we are," says the 
editor of the Pennsylvania Gazette, " well informed, that one 
hundred and twenty-three persons have been murdered and 
carried off from that part of Lancaster county, by the Indians, 
since the war commenced; and that lately three have been 
scalped and are yet living." 

The Indians still continued to commit murders and depreda- 
tions till December, 1763, when they were seen for the last 
time within the limits of Lebanon county. 

East Hanover ioivnship is, at present, bounded on the north 
and west by Dauphin county; east by Union, and south by 
Anville and Londonderry townships. The surface of the coun- 
try is diversihed. In the southern portion, it presents gentle de- 
clivities; the northern part is mountainous, being crossed by the 
Blue mountain and the Second Mountain. There is quite a 
noted spring here, called the " Cold Spring," an agreeable wa- 
tering place, and considerably frequented in the heat of summer. 

* Page 75j antea. 



328 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

There is also, a very large and commodious house of entertain- 
ment here; it was erected by an enterprizing, and public pa- 
tronage deserving gentleman, Samuel Winter, Esq. 

In the southern part of the township, is the well known 
woollen factory on Indian creek, long owned by Gen. Harri- 
son, but now in the possession of Mr. Lemberger. 

The township is well supplied with streams affording abun- 
dant water power. The Swatara creek, or river, is the princi- 
pal one; it rises in Schuylkill county, on the south side of the 
Broad mountain, and stealing its way through the Sharp and 
Second mountains, enters Lebanon county on the north-east 
angle, through which, in its sinuous course, it receives Quito- 
pahilla, and other smaller tributaries; thence flows south-west 
through Dauphin county, and empties into the Susquehanna 
river below Middletown. In its course, through this township, 
it affords much water power. The other streams are Indian 
creek, Raccoon creek, and Reed's run. In 1840, the township 
contained four stores, one fulling mill, one woollen factory, al- 
ready spoken of, five grist mills, six saw mills, one oil niill, one 
paper mill, one tannery, one distillery. Population in 1830, 
2,498; 1840, 2,461. Tax valuation for 1844, $452,674 00; 
county tax, $679 01. 

The following pensioners were still living in tJiis township 
in 1840 — Thomas Koppenhaver, aged 80 years ; John Hetrich, 
77 ; Jacob Decker, 84; Philip Witmoyer, 90; John Gerberich, 
81 ; James Stewart, S3 years. 

It was in this township that the well known Hollenhack was 
born — to whom John Harris remarked, twenty or more years 
before Harrisburg was laid out, that this place — Harris's Jerry 
— would become the centre of business in this section of the 
country, and would be the seat of Government of Pennsylva- 
nia. — Strong and predictive faith, this.* 



Biographical notice of the Hon. Mathias Hollenback. 

The subject of this notice, was born of German parentage, 
in Hanover township, upon the Swatara creek — then Lancas- 
ter — now Lebanon county. Here he was inured to all the 

* Napey's Harrisburg Directory for 1842, p. 9, 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 329 

sufferings and privations incident to a frontier settlement at that 
early day. Possessed of a firm and vigorous constitution, and 
endued by nature with a strong, active and enterprising mind, 
at the age of seventeen he joined the first adventurous party, 
who came to make a permanent settlement, under the authority 
of Connecticut, in the valley of Wyoming. This was in the 
autumn of 1769. From this period, the history of his long 
and eventful life, is identified with the history of this part of 
the country. 

In the controversy between Pennsylvania and Connecticut, 
he actively and firmly adhered to the latter, under whose auspi- 
ces he had embarked his youthful fortunes, and whose claims 
he regarded as paramount to every other, until the right of soil 
and the right of jurisdiction to the country were decreed by a 
competent tribunal, to be in the former. From that moment, 
he yielded obedience to the constitution and laws of Pennsyl- 
vania, and contributed ail in his power to quiet the turbulent, 
and to reconcile the disaffected to the legitimate authorities. 

The dispute between Pennsylvania and Connecticut, had as- 
sumed all the characteristics of a civil war, and notwithstand- 
ing the conciliatory recommendations and remonstrances of the 
Continental Cono-ress, it was continued durincr the revolutionr 
ary struggle. Whilst the poor and destitute settlers were suf- 
fering on the one side from the common enemies of the country, 
the British, the savage Indians, and the icorse than savage 
lories, they were attacked on the other, and endured equal dis- 
tress, by military parties under the authority of Pennsylvania. 

Thus surrounded with difficulties and dangers, calculated to 
appal the stoutest heart, at a period too, when many good, but 
timid men, doubted, hesitated, and feared — young Hollenback, 
in want of every thing, but personal courage and patriotic feel- 
ing, was approached by one of those agents of the mother 
country, whose bland and fascinating manner, and duplicity of 
heart, marked him out as a fit emissary for " treason, stratagem^ 
and spoil." On the one hand, the effort making to free the 
country from British dominion, was represented as entirely 
hopeless, and that upon failure, poverty, shame and death, 
every where awaited the active partisan; on the other, by 
espousing the cause of the British King, money, office and honor 
would be immediately conferred, and a life of ease and indepen- 
dence secured. The youth stood firm — hfi was not to be allured 

28* 



330 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

from the path of duty. He had taken his resolution — staked 
his all upon the issue — and was willing to abide the result. 

In 1776, and the following years, two companies were raised 
in Wyoming, in one of which young Hollenback was appointed 
Lieutenant. He was active and successful in filling up and pre- 
paring his company for active service — and, shortly after, joined 
the army under General Washington, in the StateofN. Jersey. 
His merits were soon discovered and properly appreciated by 
the General, who frequently consulted him in relation to the 
frontier settlements, and the means of defending them against 
the incursions of the enemy. He participated in all the suffer- 
ings of our half fed, and half clothed troops, during the winter 
campaign, in the state of New Jersey — and was, on several 
occasions, employed by the General in the execution of confi- 
dential agencies. 

Such was the patriotism of the Wyoming settlers, that, dur- 
ing the short period, when they were not immediately threat- 
ened with attacks from the enemy, almost every efficient man 
among them joined the army, and left their families without 
protection. This calm portended a storm. The defenceless 
state of the frontier invited aggression. The valley again began 
to suffer from the tomahawk, scalping knife, and fire brand — 
and early in 1778, it was discovered that a horde of British, 
Indians and tories, was collected upon the Susquehanna fron- 
tiers, and preparing to pour down upon the valley of Wyoming, 
and exterminate the defenceless settlers. The officers from 
Wyoming, urged the General 1o send a force for its protection, 
or to permit the two companies, drawn from this settlement, to 
return, for the purpose of defending their aged and helpless pa- 
rents, wives and children. But such was the situation of the 
army, that no adequate force could be spared. An intense 
anxiety was felt among the officers — some obtained furloughs, 
and some resigned and returned to the valley. Every prepa- 
ration WHS made in their power, to repel their invaders. About 
three hundred and fifty men marched out to meet the enemy. 
They were drawn into an ambuscade. The result is known — 
Wyoming was reduced to widowhood and orphanage. About 
fifty only escaped this disastrous battle, of whom the subject of 
this notice was one. 

Articles of capitulation were made, in which security and 
protection of life and property had been stipulated, were no 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 331 

sooner made than they were violated, on the part of the faith- 
less enemy. What property could not be carried away, was 
burned and destroyed, and the remnant of the settlers was 
driven naked and houseless to the surrounding mountains. Lieu- 
tenant Hollenback, whose property was all destroyed, still clung 
to the valley and participated in all its sufferings, until the 
conclusion of the war. 

Upon the settlement of the controversy between Pennsylva- 
nia and Connecticut — and upon the promulgation of the laws 
of Pennsylvania in the disputed territory of 1786, Mr. Hollen- 
back was chosen and appointed one of the justices of the courts 
of Luzern county; and upon the adoption of the Constitution, 
he was re-appointed an associate judge, which office he sustained 
with reputation, till the time of his decease. He was honored 
with the command of a regiment by his fellow citizens — a mi- 
litary officer being almost the only one in Pennsylvania, com.- 
patible with that of a judge. 

In all the great political struggles which have agitated the 
country, Judge Hollenback was actively and firmly attached to 
the cause of the people. In a late conflict, although most of 
those around him, with whom he had been accustomed to act, 
entertained different views, and although he was exceedingly 
enfeebled by disease, he procured himself to be carried to the 
poll, and there, for the last time, exercised the right of suffrage 
in favor of a distinguished individual who succeeded to the 
presidency. He was firmly persuaded that the interests of the 
country demanded this preference, and he acted accordingly. 

It is believed, that he was not a member of any Christian 
church, but it is known, that he reverenced the religion of the 
cross. Throughout his life, he contributed liberally to the sup- 
port of that communion and its pastors, to which he was con- 
scientiously attached, and it is feared, it will long feel the want 
of his supporting hand. 

His life, was a life of temperance, industry, and attention to 
his business, the full fruits of which he enjoyed in almost unin- 
terrupted health, until his last illness. 

From the incidents of his life, the young may draw useful 
lessons for the regulations of their conduct, and from his death 
all may learn, that man is mortal. That neither riches, nor 
honors, nor virtue, nor age, can form any shield against the 
fell destroyer.— Haz. Reg. 



332 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 



LONDONDERRY TOWNSHIP. 

Derry township organized in 1729, was then bounded as 
follows : — "The township of Derry, beginning at the naouth of 
Conewago, thence up Susquehannah to the mouth of Suataaro, 
thence up Suataaro to the mouth of Quetopohella, thence south 
to Conewago, and down the same to the place of beginning." 

As then bounded, it embraced all within its limits, known as 
the "West End, and the East End of Derry;" or, as subse- 
quently called, Derry and Londonderry. Derry was settled 
prior to 1720, and about the same tin:ie Avhen the Semples, 
Pattersons, Mitchells, Galbraiths, Andersons, Scotts, Lower- 
eys, Pedans, Porters, Whitehills and others settled in Donegal. 
They were principally Irish emigrants. As early as 1750, 
many of them moved to Cumberland county, among whom were 
the Works, Moores, Eells, Galbraiths, Whitehills, Hendersons, 
Sterrits, Mortons — all early settlers in the east end of Cumber- 
land county. 

In 1751, the following were taxables residing in the West 
End of Derry; — 

James Semple, James M'Kee, Joseph Gandor, Thomas Hall, 
James Clark, John Allison, James Shaw, Robt. Ramsey, James 
Russel, Thomas Boman, James Chambers, James Long, David 
Campbell, James Inland, Patrick Down, John Vanher, Robert 
Carothers, William Breedon, Charles Neely, Arthur Chambers, 
John Tice, John Laird, David Caldwell, Andrew Morrison, 
John Thompson, Alexander Felix, Alexander Robison, John 
Nicom, John Kerr, William Blackburn, Andrew Lockhart, 
David M'Nair, James Wiley, William Drennan, Christian Sad- 
dler, William Mitchel, Moses Willson, Michael Hour, Moses 
Patterson, James Rdssel, William Sterret, Robert Armstrong, 
Valentine Kloninger, Martin Brand, John Singer, Jacob lonan, 
John Welsh, Hugh Laird, W^m. Irland, William Boor, James 
Harris, James, Russel. 

The taxables for 1751, of the East End of Derry, were the 
following : — 

James Galbraith, James Wilson, James Campbell, James 
Walker, John V/alker, Henry Walker, John M'Cord, David 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 333 

M'Cord, William Robison, Archibald Walker, David Taylor, 
John Over, John Pinagel, William Wilson, James Miller, Wil- 
liam Boyd, John M'Cosh, William Sawyers, George Espy, 
David Mitchel, Leonard Denie, John M'Culloch, Charles Con- 
noy, David Shaiik, David Glenn, Michael Hoover, Hans Bal- 
mer, Henry Peters, Hans Kettering, Charles Clark, Thomas 
Macky, Andrew Moore, James Foster, Robert M'Clure, Felty 
Fillipo, Hugh Hall, Thomas Rutherford, William Rea, John 
INI'Quinn, John Rea, Neal M'Callister, Christian Snider, Neal 
Dougherty, Thomas Logan, George Miller, John ]\rCallister, 
Joseph White, John M'Clelland, Robert Murdock, Moses 
Potts, David Johnson, Jacob Rife, Jacob Longenecker, Andw. 
Rowan, Hugh Hays, Patrick Hays, John Kerr, Duncan M'Do- 
nal, Thomas Willson, James Willson, John Campbell, John 
Hays, Widow M'Clan, Widow Sloan, John Maben, Patrick 
Kelly, James Duncan, John Duncan, William Hays, John Fos- 
ter, Robert Foster, David Foster, Wilson Cooper. John Strean, 
John Cochran, Hans Adam Nai, Jacob Seiler, Hugh Miller, 
John Godfrey, Thomas Aiken, Anthony Hernsly, Christian 
Cochran, Alb^cht Ziegler, Conrad Wisan, John M'Culloch, 
John Gingerich, William Miller, John Moore, John Hays, 
Thomas Freeman, William Huston. 

Though the original settlers, in this township, were princi- 
pally Irish, but few of their descendants are residing here ; some 
as stated above, settled in the eastern part of Cumberland, 
others settled in the western portion, now Franklin county, 
called the Conococheague settlements, where are still to be 
found — the Campbells, McDowells, Smiths, Barrs, Welshs, 
McClellands, Finleys — the ancestors of Gov, W. Finley. 

This township being more towards the interior, was not so 
much exposed, as the more northern townships, to the incur- 
sions of the Indians. Nevertheless, the barbarous savages 
penetrated into the more sparsely settled parts, and com- 
mitted several murders and effected abductions. June 19, 1757, 
nineteen persons were killed in a mill on the Quitopahilla creek ; 
and on the 9th of September, 1757, one boy and a girl were 
taken from Donegal township, a few miles south of Derry.* — 
About the same time, one Danner and his son. Christian 
Panner, a lad of twelve years, had gone out into the Conewago 
* Loudon's Narrative, ii, p. 200 — 208. 



334 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

hills to cut down some trees ; after felling one, and while the 
father was cutting a log, he w^as shot and scalped by an In- 
dian; and Christian, the son, was taken captive — carried off to 
Canada, where he was kept, several years, til] the close of the 
war — when he made his escape from them. Another young 
lad, named Steger, w-as, while cutting some whoop-poles, sur- 
prised by three Indians, and taken captive; but fortunately, 
after remaining some months with the Indians, made his es- 
cape. 

Jacob and Henry Bowman, brothers, both young men, were 
taken by some Indians, who tied them in a secluded place, in 
the thickets, and proceeded, as was supposed, to the Conestoga 
Indians, with a view, when returning from thence, to take them 
to Canada ; but in the interim, a Mr. Shally returned from Lan- 
caster to Lebanon, and they perceiving him, called him, who 
immediately went to the place where they were tied, and un- 
loosed them, and they returned to their parents, residing in the 
vicinity of the present Palmyra. 

So much were the inhabitants constantly alarmed, th-at dur- 
ing the Indian troubles, the men attended church with loaded 
guns, and other defensive weapons. Their Pastor, the Rev. 
Elder, who ministered to their spiritual wants, and coimselkd 
them in those perilous times, had then charge of a congregation 
in Derry. It is said of him, he was doubly armed ; first by 
faith in the certain protection of an all-ruling Providence: se- 
cond in his gun, which he had often with him in the pulpit ; for 
he was an unerring marksman. 

It may be here added, " that the Rev. John Elder, a Scotch- 
man, w^as the first clergyman settled west of the Conewago 
hills, towards Susquehanna — he preached fifty-six years in the 
Paxton church, about two miles from Harrisburg, and for many 
years in Derry. 

"He wielded the sword of the flesh, though clothed with the 
helmet of salvation, as well as the sword of the spirit: for he 
held for several years a Colonel's commission in the provin- 
cial service; commanding the stockades and block-houses that 
extended from the Susquehanna to the Delaware, at Easton. 

"It is said, as above intimated, that he often carried his rifle 
into the pulpit, and his congregation were prepared in the same 
■way against the attacks from the Indians. 

"About the year 1756, the church was surrounded by the 



HIStORY OF BERKS AKB LEBANON COUNTIESi 835 

savages so closely, that, as was afterwards learned from an es- 
caped prisoner, the rifles in the church were counted by the In- 
dians, but as there appeared to be too many of them, the sava- 
ges went off without molesting the congregation. In the year 
following, the congregation (at Paxton) was attacked after 
they had dispersed, and two or three were killed and others 
wounded." 

The Rev. Elder died at the advanced age of 86, in the year 
1792, on his farm, near Harrisburg, beloved in hfe, and much 
lamented by his survivors. 

As late as 1763, in July, the reapers in this and other parts 
of Lancaster county, took their guns and ammunition with them 
into the harvest fields, to defend themselves against the In- 
dians. 

Londonderry township is bounded on the north by East 
Hanover township ; north-east by Annville ; east by Lebanon ; 
south by Lancaster county, and west by Dauphin county. It 
contains nearly twenty-six thousand acres of land, some of the 
best, and some of the worst in the country. The middle por- 
tion of the township is level; limestone soil, and some gravel and 
slate. The northern part is undulating ; the south and south- 
western, hilly and much of it covered with sienite bowlders, 
of huge size, and greywacke. 

The Swatara creek runs along the northern boundary of this 
township, and receives Quitapohilla, a considerable stream, 
from the south-east. Klinger's run, a tributary of the latter, 
flows northwardly into it. The Conewago creek flows west- 
wardly through the township, north of the Conewago hills, on 
which is Colebrook furnace, in operation for sixty years. — 
It is owned by Mr. Coleman. The Downingtown, Ephrata 
and Harrisburg turnpike passes through the township, on which 
is Campbellstown, a small village, containing a dozen or two 
of houses; and the Reading and Harrisburg turnpike^ on which 
is Palmstown, or Palmyra, containing soma twenty houses. 
There are several mills ia this township. The improvements 
in this township, are generally good. In 1840, the following 
pensioners were still living in this township? — Jacob Lentz, 
aged 81 ; Jacob Keaner, 86 ; Andrew Robison, 81 years. Popu- 
lation in 1830, 1,874; 1840,1,762. Average tax valuation 
for 1844, $794,285 00; county tax $1,191 43. 



336 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 



HEIDELBERG TOWNSHIP. 

Heidelberg township originally embraced all that is now 
within the limits of Upper and Lower Heidelberg, in Berks 
county ; and Heidelberg in Lebanon county, a part of Jackson, 
But when Berks was erected in 1752, the greater part then 
known as Heidelberg, was taken in with that county. 

This township was originally settled by Germans; the first 
of whom had either directly emigrated from Germany, or from 
the State of New York, where many of them had arrived, in 
1710;* thence they emigrated to Pennsylvania, in 1723. 

It was within the bounds of Heidelberg township, as first 
organized, that the German Baptists — commonly known by the 
name, Dunkards, had commenced a settlement as early as 1724. 
Many of these first emigrated from Germany and Holland, in 
1709, and settled first at Germantown, and some years after- 
Ward established a church at Muelbach. One of their promi- 
nent members, Conrad Beissel, a native of Germany, arrived 
in America, in 1720, and took up his abode among them at 
Muelbach — he, and one Stuntz, built a house, and they were 
soon joined by Isaac Van Babern, George Steifel, and others. 

Conrad Beissel being somewhat dissatisfied with some of the 
observances of his brethren, commenced promulgating his 
view^s, and eventually seceded from the Dunkard community, 
and formed a new sect, known as the German Seventh Day 
Baptist, 

The following brief sketch of this society, taken from the 
History of Lancaster County> will afford the reader some idea 
of their rise and progress. 

Conrad Beissel, wholly intent upon seeking out the true ob- 
hgation of the word of God^ and the proper observances of the 
rites and ceremonies it imposes, stripped of human authority, 
he conceived that there was an error among the Hunkers, in 
the observance of the day for the Sabbath; that the seventh 
day was the command of the Lord God, and that day being 
estabhshed and sanctified, by the Great Jehovah, forever I And 
no change, nor authority for change, ever having been announ- 
ced to man, by any power sufficient to set aside the solemn de- 
cree of the Almighty; a decree which he declared that he had 
sanctified forever ! He felt it to be his duty to contend for tho 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 337 

observance of that day. About the year 1725, he published a 
tract entering into a discussion of this point, which created some 
excitement and disturbance in the society, at Mill creek; upon 
which he retired from the settlement, and went secretly, to a 
cell on the banks of the CocaUco, that had previously been oc- 
cupied by one Elimelich, a hermit. His place of retirement 
was unknown for some time to the people he had left, and when 
discovered, many of the society at Mill creek, who had become 
convinced of the truth of his proposition for the observance of 
the Sabbath, settled around him, in solitary cottages. They 
adopted the original Sabbath — the seventh day — for public 
worship, in the year 1728 ; which has ever since been observed 
by their descendants, even unto the present day. 

In the year 1732, the solitary life was changed into a con- 
venticle one, and a monastic society was established as soon as 
the first buildings erected for that purpose were finished. May, 
1733. The habit of the Capuchins, or White Friars, was 
adopted by both the brethren and sisters ; which consisted of a 
shirt, trowsers, and vest, with a long white gown or cowl, of 
woolen web in winter, and linen in summer. That of the sis- 
ters differed only in the substitution of petticoats for trowsers, 
and some little peculiarity in the shape of the cowl. Monastic 
names were given to all who entered the cloister. Onesimus 
(Israel Eckerlin) was constituted Prior, who was succeeded by 
Jaebez, (Peter Miller,) and the title of a Father — spiritual 
father— was bestowed upon Beissel, whose monastic name 
was Friedsam; to which the Brethren afterwards added 
Gottrecht; implying together, Peaceable, God-right. In the 
year 1740, there were thirty-six single brethren in the cloister, 
and thirty-five sisters; and at one time, the society, including 
the members living m the neighborhood, numbered nearly three 
hundred. 

The first bufidings of the society of any consequence, were 
Kedar and Zion; a meeting house and convent, which were 
erected on the hill called Mount Zion. They afterwards built 
larger accommodations, in the meadow below, comprising a 
sister's house, called Saron, to which is attached a large chapel 
and "Saal," for the purpose of holding Agapas, or Love Feasts. 
A brother's house called Bethania, with which is connected 
the large meeting room, with galleries, in which the whole so- 
ciety assembled for public worship, in the days of their pros- 
29 



338 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LfcBANON COtJNtlES. 

perity, and which are still standing, surrounded by smaller 
buildings, that were occupied as a printing-office, bake-house, 
school-house, almonry, and others, for different purposes; on 
one of which, a one story house, the town clock is erected. 

" The buildings are singular, and of very ancient architec- 
ture; all the outwalls being covered with shingles, or clap- 
boards. The two houses, for the brethren and sisters, are 
very large, being three and four stories high; each has a chapel 
for their night meetings, and the main building^: are divided 
into small apartments, each containing between fifty and sixty, 
so that six dormitories, which are barely large enough to con- 
tain a cot, (in early days a bench, and billet of wood for the 
head,) a closet, and an hour glassy surrounded a common room, 
in which each sub-division pursued their respective avocation. — 
On entering these silent cells, and traversing the long narrow 
passages, visiters can scarcely divest themselves of the feeling 
of walking the tortuous windings of some old castle, and breath- 
ino; recesses of romance. The ceilings have an elevation of but 
seven feet; the passages leading to the cells, or kammers, as 
they are styled, and through the different parts of both con- 
vents, are barely wide enough to admit one person, for when 
meeting a second, he has always to retreat. The dens of the 
kammei's are but five feet high, and twenty inches wide, and 
the window, for each has but one, is only eighteen by twenty- 
four inches; the largest windows affording light to the meeting 
rooms; the chapels, the saals, and even the kammers, or dormi- 
tories, are hung and nearly covered with large sheets of ele- 
gant penmanship, or ink paintings; many of which are texts 
from the scriptures, executed in a very handsome manner, in 
ornamented Gothic letters, called in German, Fractur Schrif- 
ien. They are done on large sheets of paper, manufactured 
for the purpose at their own mill, some of which are put into 
frames, and which admonish the resident, as well as the casual 
visiter, whichever way they may turn the head. There are 
some very curious ones: two of which still remain in the chapel 
attached to Saron. — One represents the narrow and crooked 
way, done on a sheet of about three feet square, which it would 
be difficult to describe ; it is very curious and ingenious : the 
Avhole of the road is filled up with texts of scripture, adverting 
the disciples of their duties, and the obligations their profession 
imposes upon them. Another represents the three Heavens. In 



HISTJORY OF BERKS AND LEBABfON COUNTIES. 339 

the first, Christ, the Shepherd, is represented gathering his 
flock together ; in the second, which occupies one foot in 
height, and is three feet wide, three hundred figures in Capu- 
chin dress, can be counted, with harps in their hands, and heads 
of an innumerable host j and in the third is seen the Throne, 
surrounded by two hundred Arch-Angels. Many of these 
Fractur-Schriften express their own enthusiastic sentiments on 
the subject of celibacy, and the virtue of a recluse life, whilst 
others are devotional pieces. 

"A rooiji was set apart for such purposes, called ' Das Schreib 
Zimraer,' the writing room, and several sisters devoted their 
whole attention to this labor, as well as to transcribing the 
writings of the founder of the society; thus multiplying copies 
for the wants of the community, before they had a printing 
press. Two sisterSj named Anastasia and Iphigenia, were the 
principal ornamental writers. They left a large folio volume 
of sample alphabets, of various sizes and style, which are both 
elegant and curious, exhibiting the most patient application. 
The letters of the first alphabet are twelve inches long, sur- 
rounded by a deep border, in imitation of copper-plate engrav- 
ing ; each one of which is different in the filling up. It was 
finished in the year 1750, and is still preserved in the hands 
of the trustees. There was another transcribing room appro- 
priated exclusively to copying music. Hundreds of volumes, 
each containing five or six hundred pieces, were transferred 
from book to book, with as much accuracy, and almost as much 
neatness, as if done with a graver. 

"It was in contemplation, at one time, by the Eckerlins, 
three brothers, one of whom was a prior, and had the superin- 
tendence of the secular concerns, to make it a place of more 
importance than a mere religious refuge. They were from 
Germany, and had been brought up Catholics. They conceived 
a project of erecting extensive buildings, and connecting trades 
with it; and had some preparations under way; the timber all 
hewn, as all the buildings are of wood, even the chimneys, 
which remain in use at this day ; and in readiness to erect a 
tower, and had sent to Europe, where they had extensive con- 
nexions, and got a chime of bells cast, unknown to the society, 
imtil they arrived at Philadelphia, and the bill for payment was 
forwarded to them. The society resolved not to receive them, 
but had them sold, and paid the loss. 



340 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES.. 

"The coramuity was a republic, in which all stood upon per- 
fect equality ancf freedom. No monastic vows were taken, 
neither had they any written covenants, as is common in the 
Baptist churches. The New Testament was their confession 
of faith, their code of law, and church discipline. The pro- 
perty which belonged to the society, by donation, and the labor 
of the single brethren and sisters, was common stock; but none 
was obliged to throw in his own property, or to give up any 
possessions. The society was supported by the income of the 
farm and grist mill, oil mill, fulling mill, and the labor of the 
brethren and sisters, in the cloister." 

Many of the male members were men of education, and the 
school which they had established, attracted attention abroad; 
young men from Ealtimore and of Philadelphia, were sent to 
this place to be educated. Ludwig Hacker, the teacher of the 
common school, projected the plan of holding a school in the 
afternoon of the Sabbath, or Saturday, and who, in connexion 
with some of the brethren, commenced it, to give instruction to 
the indigent children who were kept from regular school by em- 
ployments which their necessities obliged them to be engaged 
at during the week, as well as to give religious instruction to 
those in better circumstances. The precise time when this 
school was established is not known ; it was after 1739. 

The society, after an existence of fifty years, began to de- 
cline, from some cause, which we have not been able to learn. 
Some say that Beissel's successor, Peter Miller, wanted vigor 
of mind. This, says Doctor Fahnestock, is not, he believes, 
the case ; for he assured us, in a conversation with him on this 
subject, in 1836, so far as he could learn, Peter Miller was a 
man of much greater powers of mind than Beissel, and that he 
had the management of the establishmiCnt during Beissel's time; 
and to whose energy and perseverance, is mainlj' attributable 
the great prosperity of the institution in its early days. 

That Miller was a man of more than ordinary powers of 
mind, is evident from the testimony of the Rev. Jedediah An- 
drews, an alumnus of Havard College, of the class of 1695, 
Andrews speaking of Miller, in a letter, dated Philadelphia, 
8th, 14th, 1730. 

"There is lately come over a Palatine candidate of the min- 
istry, who having applied to us at the Synod (Scotch Synod) 
for ordination, 'tis left to three ministers, (these three were Ten- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 341 

ant, Andrews, and Boyd,) to do it. He is an extraordinary 
person for sense f\nd learning. We gave him a question to disr. 
cuss about Justification, and he answered it, in a whole sheet 
of paper, in a very notable manner. His name is John Peter 
Miller, and speaks Latin, as readily as we do our vernacular 
tongue, and so does the other, Mr. Weiss." 

At an early period, they estabhshed a German printing office, 
which enabled them to distribute tracts and hymns, and after- 
wards to print several large works, in which the views of the 
founder are fully explained. Many of these books have been 
lost and destroyed. In the Revolutionary w'ar, just before the 
battle of Germantown, three wagon loads of books, in sheets, 
were seized and taken away for cartridges. They came to the 
paper mill to get paper, and not finding any there, they pressed 
the books in sheets. 

" Music was much cultivated. Beissel was a first rate mu- 
sician and composer. In composing sacred music, he took his 
style from the music of Nature, and the v/hole comprising se- 
veral large volumes, are founded on the iEolian harp ; the sing- 
ing is the iEoIian harp harmonized ; it is very peculiar in its 
style and concords, and in its execution. The tones issuing 
from the^choir imitate very soft instrumental music; conveying 
a softness and devotion almost superhuman to the auditor. 
Their music is set in four, six and eight parts. All the parts, 
save the bass, are led and sung exclusively by females — the 
men being confined to the bass, which is set in two parts, the 
high and the low bass — the latter resembling the deep tones of 
the organ ; and the first, in combination with one of the female 
parts, is an excellent ^nitation of the concert horn. The whole 
is sung on the falsetto voice, the singers scarcely opening their 
mouths, or moving their lips, which throws the voice up to the 
ceiling — which is not high — and the tones, which seem to be 
more than human — at least so far from common church singing 
appears to be entering from ab^ove, and hovering over the heads 
of the assembly.'' 

The reader may form some idea of their music from the fol- 
lo-v^-ing extract of a letter, written by a tourist during the pro- 
prietary administration of Governor Penn: "The counter, treT 
ble, tenor and bass, were all sung by women, with sweet, shrill, 
and small voices, but with a truth and exactness in time and 
intonation, that was admirable. It is impossible to describe to 

29* 



342 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

your lordship, my feelings upon this occasion. The performers 
sat with their heads reclined, their countenances solemn and 
dejected, their faces pale and emaciated, from their manner of 
living, their clothing exceeding white, and quite picturesque, 
and their music such as thrilled to the very soul ; I almost be- 
gan to think myself in the world of spirits, and that the objects 
before me were ethereal. In short, the impression this scene 
made upon my mind, continued strong for many days, and I 
believe, will never be wholly obliterated." 

This music is lost, entirely now, in Ephrata — not the music 
books, but the style of singing — they never attempt it any more. 
It is, however, still preserved and finely executed — though in a 
faint degree — at Snow hill, in Franklin county, where there is 
a branch of the society, and which is now the principal settle- 
ment of the Seventh Day Baptists. 

This society attracted considerable attention. Men of various 
rank and standing visited the place. 

George Thomas, formerly an Antigua planter, appointed in 
1737, Governor of the province of Pennsylvania, visited Eph- 
rata in 1741. He came, says Peter Miller, accompanied by a 
retinue of twenty horses, and a large number of distinguished 
gentlemen from Maryland and Virginia ; they were all honora- 
bly received by the brethren. The Governor said he was much 
gratified to see such an institution. He spoke very favorably 
of their religious and economical arrangements. The motives 
of visit, it is believed, were sinister. Without doubt, he gained 
the object of his visit more easily by adulation than he would 
have otherwise. At this time, the talented and active Conrad 
Weiser, was a member of the association. It was the Gover- 
nor's object, if possible, to secure once more the services of this 
man, in a capacity for which hs was felicitously suited, that of 
an Indian interpreter. He tendered him the appointment of 
justice of the peace, which he accepted. He was afterwards 
appointed provincial interpreter, in which capacity he rendered 
his country essential service for many years. Governor Wil- 
liam Denny spent some time here, in 1756, and through an in- 
terpreter, hatl a long conversation with Beissel, touching the 
condition of the country. 

Peter Miller was a native of Oberant Lautern — came to 
America in 1730 ; soon after his arrival, was ordained by a 
Scotch Synod, at Philadelphia — received as a member of the 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 343 

Society at Ephrata, by being baptized in 173o, and remained 
sixty-one years, to the day of his death, September 25, 1796, 
a member thereof. — His remains rest in the grave-yard at that 
place. 

He was well known in the religious and literary world. It 
is said he translated the Declaration of Independence into seven 
languages. His correspondence was extensive — he was visited 
by hundreds — General Lee, David Rittenhouse, Count Zinzen- 
dorf — and several noblemen of Europe — have been the guests 
of the establishment. 

The following were taxables in Heidelberg township, a year 
after Berks county had been separated from Lancaster county: 

Basiian Zimmerman, Abraham Stump, Godfried Louder- 
inilch, Martin Kohl, Christian Smith,- Yost Hojfman, Lorentz 
Bauman, Philip Kistaker, Jacob Kreider, George Trear, Hen- 
ry Gring, John Dootweiler, John Lane, JS'^icholas Fellenherger, 
Jacob Durst, James Dutweiler, -Henry Miser, Jacob A''eaf, • 
J^%cholas Cress, John Stoler, Joseph Krotzer, John Wolfels- 
jmrger, Frederick Wolfel sparger, Peter Woljelsparger, Adam 
- Fritz, Barned Mous, Fridreck Miller, Hyronomus Troutman, 
Jacob Gishon, Peter Stone, Anthmiy Troser, John Shub, Chris- 
tian Orendorf, Peter Edelman, George Conrad, Jacob Green- 
inger, Andrew Kreutzer, Philip Breidenbach, Christopher 
Moacker, Martin Jfoacker, A'tcholas Miller, Valentine Her- 
chelroth, Henry Bassler, Jacob Huy, John Ramler, Jacob 
Ramler, John Immel, Michael Spengler, Michael Coppenhef- 
fer. Christian Leaman, John Adam Mosser, Tobias Bickle, 
Jacob Brown, David Zeller, Henry Zellcr, Geo. Micser, Len- 
hard Holstein, Michael Mieser, Andw. Ellig, Jacob Becker, 
David Lebenstein, Michael ffrecht, Geo. J\^ejf', Michael JVeff, 
Ulri'ch Reasor, Joseph Pugh, Valentine Bowman, Christian 
Zwalle, Peter Borger, John Stock, Valentine Veeman, Ab'm 
J^eff, Andw. Sholl, Stophel Stuinp, Widow Moore, Jno. Mire, 
John Knower, Henry Mire, Wendel Loudermilch, Casper 
Rebo, Andw. Reigand, Geo. Cogandoerfer, John Louder7nilch, 
Lorentz Arnold, Michael Kapp, Peter Reeyn, Geo. Stoler, 
'^ Jacob J^^eff, Mathias Albrecht, Henry Boyer, Lenhard Leidig, 
Conrad Heigberger, Daniel Clark, JJlrich Croll, Michael 
Schenck, John Grebill, Geo. Sivingle, Martin Thomas, Tho- 
mas Durst, Alexander Sheffer, Valentine Urich, Peter Sum- 



344 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

me, Ulrich Springer, Christian Miller, Peter Bahler, Stofel 
Miller, Jacob Gensly, Peter Miller, Peter Sc/icll, Hermanns 
Potorf, John Line, TJiomas Copenhoefer, Christian Walhorn, 
Martin Potorf, Wilhelm Hosier, Geo. Lash, Walter Mewman, 
JSlcholas Swingle, F. J\''ewman, JIntireas Strickler, John 
Fague, Peter Zel/er, Andreas Saltzgcher, John JVull, Peter 
Brua, Michael Snider, Martin Eichholtz, Jacob Gass, Nicho- 
las Bressler, Dietrict Marker, John Kustcr, John Oxman. 

The following resided in the south-east part of the township 
of Heidelberg, and on the borders of Warwick: 

Dillraan Shite, David Taylor, Moses Irwin, Jacob Hiiber, 
Abraham Roland, Jacob Polinger, Ludwig Cole, Simon Tobias, 
Yost Blagher, Henry Stiegle, John Pofasberger, Nicholas 
Smith, Casper Simon, Martin Shoody, Stephen Beninger, Ja- 
cab Selzer, John Timothe, Tobias Hauk, Ealser Shade, Michael 
Balmar, Henry Botts, Henry Hoyl, Han Nickle Entsminger, 
Han Nickle Entsminger, senr., Henry Wise, Stephen Voacky, 
Jacob Gass, Christian Pence, SamuelSellar, Mr. Shoufler, the 
tailor. Freemeh— John Sheets, George Lidigh, George Hoyl, 
Peter Porgner, Yelia Swally, Jacob Stelly, Ulrich Bare, John 
Pile John Bale, George Ougansteen, John Switzer. 

There is nothing special that occurred during the French and 
Indian war, not common to the townships of this county. The 
Indians committed several murders in the northern part of the 
township, (now Jackson.) They carried oif several young 
children, one of them, named William Jackson, w-as returned, 
who had been held captive for some time, in 1762, at Lancas- 
ter. An extract of the proceedings of a conference with the 
Indians, held at Lancaster in 1762, is given. 

Lancaster, August, Friday 13, 1762. 
James Hamilton, Esq., Lieut. Governor of Pennsylvania, re- 
covered the following prisoners from the hands of King Beaver: 
Names of prisoners — Thomas Moore, taken from Potomack, 
Maryland. Phihp Studebecker, taken from Conegocheague, 
Md. Ann Dougherty and Peter Condon, taken in Pennsylva- 
nia, Mary Stroudman, taken from Conegocheague, Pa., Wil- 
liam Jackson taken from Tulpehocken, Pa., Elizabeth Adam, 
and John Lloyd, from Little Cove, Pa., Dorathy Shabrin, from 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 345 

Big Cove, Eleanor Lancestoctes, from Pa., Hans Boyer, a boy, 
not known from whence taken. Richard Rogers, Esther 
Rogers, Jacob Rogers, Archibald Holtemon, and Rebecca, 
Walter, all from Virginia, about the South branch. 

^'Thursday, 19 Aug., 1762, the following were delivered: 
Elizabeth Williams, a young woman, delivered by Mussause, a 
Muncy Indian. Henry Williams, about eighteen years old, 
brother to Elizabeth Williams, dehvered by Canyhocherato- 
quin, a Muncy. Peggy Dougherty, delivered by Eckgohson, 
a Muncy, Mary Tidd and her child, taken near Samuel Depuis, 
by Eckgohnson. Abigail Evan and her child, taken at Stony 
creek, in Virginia, by Cowachsora, a Seneca. 

"A boy by Meightong, a Muncy. A little girl by Eckgoh- 
son,' a Muncy. A little boy, Pessewanck, a Muncy. A boy of 
about fourteen years, by Eckgohson. A boy of twelve years, 
by Cow^ackslaira, a Seneca. A little boy of seven years, by 
Coracksaraa, a Seneca. These children's names unknown, as 
they cannot speak English, or give any account from whence 
they were taken."* 

The neighborhood of Sheafferstown was, it is said, originally 
settled by German Jews. They were so numerous, at one time, 
as to have a synagogue, and a rabbi to read the scriptures and 
impart to them other instruction. As early as 1732 they had 
3. grave-yard, around which was a substantial stonewall built, 
nearly the whole of which is still standing. The cement, or 
mortar used, must have been very adhesive, and must have 
been made of a larger proportion of lime than is generally 
taken; for it is, even now, quite as compact and solid as lime- 
stone itself. This grave-yard is about half a mile south of 
Sheafferstown — one hundred yards east from the Lancaster 
road, and a few hundred yards south of " Thurm-Berg," i. e., 
Tower-Hill — a hill on which William Henry Stiegel had erect~ 
ed a tower, or castle, which will be noticed below. When this 
vicinity of Jewish settlement was pretty well populated, they 
left, and Germans of other denominations — Lutherans and Ger- 
man Reformed — settled here, among whom was Sheaffer, the 
proprietor of the present village. 

Sheafierstown — laid out about the year 1745 or '46 — is a 
pleasant village, south-east of Lebanon, and contains about one 

* Provincial Rec. for 1762. 



346 HISTORY OF 3f:ilKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

hundred houses, several stores and taverns — a Lutheran church 
built in 1765, and a German Reformed one — both built of 
stone. The inhabitants are Germans. It was here, as well as 
at Manheim, that the eccentric Baron Stiegel figured strangely. 
He was a man of singular fortune — his vicissitudes in life were 
varied. In Europe he was a Baron — in America an iron-mas- 
ter, glass manufacturer, a preacher, and a schoolmaster — now 
rich — then poor ! In SheafFerstown, or hard by it, near the 
road to Lancaster, the spot on the hill, is still pointed out, 
where stood his tower, or castle — by those who saw the ruins 
of it — nothing is left to be seen of it now — which was built by 
Ihe notorious German Baron. 

Baron Stiegel was undoubtedly, with all his eccentricity, a 
man of much enterprise — of great skill in the arts, and of sin- 
gular taste, as is still manifest from the house he erected in 
Manheim. The house is now occupied by Mr. John Arndt, of 
Manheim — and though Mr. Ardnt has, in having the house 
materially altered, so changed it, as to leave nothing of the 
Baron's pulpit, in a large upper saloon, where the Baron, as 
i)reacher, addressed Ids hands, he had employed at the glass 
factory, still much to excite admiration is to be seen. What 
remains of the internal, as decorations, has not its like in the 
United States. Its rich scenery painting, of falconry or hawk- 
ino-, on the side of the room w^alls — the tablets of China, curi- 
ously painted, the jambs, attract and excite the admiration of 
all who have the pleasure of spending a few moments with the 
affable owner of the house. Though he was proprietor of 
l\Ianheira, and had a fine chateau there, he resided mainly in 
Philadelphia with his family, but was occasionally in the habit 
of inviting his friends into the country with him, to enjoy his 
baronial hospitality. He had two" of these towers or castles 
erected, one at Sheafferstown, and another near Manheim — 
they were mounted with cannon, for the express purpose of 
firing a salute v,'henever he made his appeaiance in the coun- 
ty'- 

" This salute was the signal for his more intimate friends to 

repair to his castle, and enjoy with him the festivities of the 
occasion — and for all his workmen, at the furnaces and glass 
houses, to wash the dirt from their hands and faces, take up 
their musical instruments, and repair to the castle, to entertaiji 
their lord and his guests." 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 347 

He lived beyond the Competency of his means — he failed ill 
business — was imprisoned for debt. A special act was passed 
for his relief, December 24, 1774, before the revolution of 177G 
had cut "off his resources in Europe."* It is said he died aS 
an obscure schoolmaster. Sic transit gloria hominis I 

JVewmanstown, which has been noticed, (page 195,) is on 
the borders of this township, on the road to Wommelsdorf. 

Heidelberg township is bounded on the north by Jackson 
township, and by Berks county on the east; south by Lancas- 
ter county, and west by South Lebanon township. It contains 
thirty-six thousand acres of land, chiefly hmestone, and gener- 
ally well improved. 

The township has several streams, affording water power to 
propel mills. jNIuelbach, or Mill creek, rises in the southern 
part of the township, and runs northward, and flows in Tulpe- 
hocken creek. In the south-west is Hammer creek, a branch 
of the Conestoga. 

In 1840, this township contained six stores, one fulling mill, 
five grist mills, five saw mills, four tanneries and two distille- 
ries. Population in 1830, 2,822; 1840, 2,827. Average tax 
valuation for 1844, 8819,496 00; county tax 81,229 25. 



SWATARA TOWNSHIPi 

Swatara township was originally included in Bethel and 
Hanover townships; its boundaries have been changed since 
1830, by erecting Union township. On the east it joins Bethel; 
Union on the west, and Lebanon on the south. The surface is 
diversified; the north and south are hilly; tiie centre level ; soil, 
some of it limestone ; the greater proportion gravel and slate, 
but generally well improved. It is well supplied with water, 
mills, &c. 

This township possesses many advantages worthy the atten- 
tion of capitalists, as w^ill be seen from the subjoined communi- 
cation, addressed to the writer. 

* His. Col. of Pa., by Day, p. 421. 



S48 History op berks aJjd l'^banon counties, 

Jonestown, February 12, 1844; 
Respected Friend: 

When here, I promised to furnish you something to'uehing 
our village, neighborhood, and surrounding country. This pro- 
mise, it is my intention, to redeem, though a press of secular 
■tingageraents, has hitherto prevented me to give the isubject the 
attention it deserves. 

I shall begin with the early history of our place. Williams- 
'burg — this is the name of the town, now usually called Jones- 
town, was laid out into lots by William Jones, about the year 
1761. The tract of land on which the town is built, was origi- 
nally granted, by warrant, dated the loth December, 1753, by 
the Honorable Proprietors, William Penn's sons, of Pennsylva- 
nia, to a Mr. Klein, who afterwards conveyed the same to Wil- 
liam Jones. 

Williamsburg or Joncstoitm, is situated near the forks of the 
Big and Little Svvatara, seven miles north-west of the town of 
Lebanon, and on the main road leading from Harrisburg to 
Easton, on the Delaware river; it is 24 miles east of Harris- 
burg, and 77 from Easton; 32 from Lancaster; 31 from Read- 
ing, and 31 from both Pottsville and Orwigsburg, in Schuylkill 
county. The Big Swatara creek flows on the west of the 
town, and the Little Swatara on the south, at the base of Bun- 
ker Hill, and both unite within about one-fourth of a mile south 
west of the town — thence, with accessions from a number of 
tributaries, flow unitedly onward, and empty into the Susque- 
hanna river, near Middletown, Dauphin county. 

When this region was first settled, and about the time when 
Williamsburg was laid out, and for some years afterwards, the 
Swatara was considered one of the richest waters for fish, for 
its size, in the Province of Pennsylvania. This stream teemed 
with the finny race — the scaly salmon, the lubric eel and cat- 
fish', the coy shad, the slovenly mullet and sui generis — in 
short, " fish of all sorts," were abundant. Even within the 
last forty years — about 1804, 5y 6 and 7 — five hundred shad 
were taken at a time, at the junction of the Swatara, with a 
common brush-net. These were days of no dry fun for us 
boys. 

So plenty were fish — and some so large, as the old settlers will 
have it, that they were speared with a three, and four-tined dung 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 349 

fork. But those sunny days for piscators and lovers of fishy 

fiin, are past, and it is feared, will never return so long as the 
fish are prevented from paying their visits by the interposition 
of, the to thena, insurmountable barriers; for numerous mill, and 
other dams, have been erected in the Swatara, between this 
and Middletown; and as it is generally believed, not made "as 
the law directs," if they were, the salmon and shad w^ould not 
disdain the waters here. Times have changed. But water 
still, naturally, runs down stream, unless forced up ! 

But to return to the town. It contains one hundred dwel- 
ling houses, with a population of five hundred and eleven human 
souls. The inhabitants, with exception of a few, are Rank 
Germans, of Pennsylvania birth. We have — we speak in com- 
mon — several churches; one Lutheran, one German Reformed, 
one Union meeting house, for all orderly and well disposed per- 
sons, of every denomination, but, at present, principally used as 
a place of worship by the United Brethren, and the Evangeli- 
cal Association, sometimes called "Albrechts Leute." 

To accommodate the town and neighborhood — w^e can accom- 
modate — we have six stores, four public houses, an apothecary, 
and of course a post office. Four school houses — no Academy 
yet — we expect one, if it should be raised on Bunker Hill I — 
Two of our school houses were built by individual subscriptions; 
and two by the public funds, collected by the Commonw^ealth, 
and paid over to us by the same authority. In these last, the 
common schools are taught under the law establishing that sys- 
tem. These two schools contain one hundred and sixty-five 
scholars, with two teachers, that is, one to each school. The 
crowed is so great that justice hides itself, and it is vain that 
parents look, that justice be done to all — we mean, to all the 
scholars and teachers. 

For pleasantness of situation, a salubrious air, and conse 
quently for health, our place cannot be surpassed; it has also 
other advantages. The town is situated on elevated ground — 
it commands a prominent eminence. The streets are -wide, in- 
tersecting at right angles. It is not alone the ehgible site that 
gave rise and progress to Williamsburg. What most contribu- 
ted, was the navigation of the Swatara river, on which, from 
the time of the original settlements made here, and especially 
from the time the town was laid out, a vast quantity of lumber 
of all kinds, boards and other building materials were brought 
30 



350 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

to our place in rafts, floated down the S.watara in the spring/ 
and in the fall freshets of the year. This raft navigation was 
carried on till in August, 1826, when the last rafts were landed. 
A stop was now put to it, in consequence of the Union Canal 
Company erecting a dam in the Swatara Gap, of immense alti- 
tude, for a dam : forty-five feet, is the height of it ! This dam 
inundates about eight hundred acres of land; and the pond 
forms a complete artificial lake, and proves,, occasionally, a 
death-place for some deer, which, to elude the chase of dogs, 
take to the deep and are there taken. There are still some 
deer in the mountains, not distant from the dam. The way 
hunters manage to take deer is, to set their dogs in pursuit of 
them, and during the chase, some of the party of the hunters 
do take stations near and along the pond or lake; when the 
deer are hotly pursued by the dogs, they make for the water, 
and thus are taken, in some cases alive, by the hunters. 

The dam was constructed to serve as a reservoir, to feed 
the canal — it needs feeding, for it consumes much to keep all 
its functions moving — and also to answer as a slack water 
navigation, for the distance of six miles, towards Pine Grove, 
and the coal region. What changes I The tables have verily 
turned ! Some years ago, lumber and building materials were 
floated down the Swatara to this place — now, similar materials 
are brought up^ in boats, on the canal, from Middletown to our 
pLice, to Pine Grove, and intermediate places. The lumber 
brought down to Jonestown, formerly supphed all Tulpehocken, 
and the Muelbachers ! These are reverses to many. 

We shall leave the water and the glen awhile, to ascend 
"Bunker Hill" — we dont mean "the theatre of the first regu- 
lar battle between the Provincial and British troop, in the war 
of the Revolution." We too have a Bunker Hill, and also 
still amongst us, Revolutionary Soldiers. But, to Bunker 
Hill. The prominent and rupic eminence, one half mile south 
of the town, is Bunker Hill. It is the highest point of the trap 
rock hills. The influence of these hills, says our friend Trego, 
Assistant State Geologist, has produced some curious and in- 
teresting modifications in the Geological features of the neigh- 
borhood.* Basalt and jasper are found here. In "Bunker, is 
a cave, or singular cavern, large enough to admit four or five 
persons — a small council for emergencies. There is something 
* Geog. Pa. p. 274. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 351 

curious, as well as grotesque, in and about this rocky chamber. 
There is a stone two feet square and three feet high in the 
centre, which might have served as a table or altar, this is sur- 
rounded with seats of solid stone. In this cavern, tradition has 
it — internal evidence favors it — the Indians held councils. — 
The orderly arrangement of the massive furniture may have 
given rise to the tradition. It is well enough not to contradict 
so pleasing and so current a "Sage." 

From the top of "Bunker," you have one of the most com- 
manding prospects desirable. Place yourself on a rock — you 
have choice — look northward, you have a prospect, that presents 
a view of the coal regions through Swatara Gap, in the Kittitin- 
ny Hills — in this view lies spread before you, and between the 
mountain and Jonestown, a fine region of country, of sixty or 
more square miles. The eye tires not to view the variegated 
scenes — finely improved farms, interspersed with woods, and 
dotted with houses and barns. Contemplate on the past. See 
in imagination the savage Indians, thirsting for blood, crossing 
at Swatara Gap, in pursuit of marked victims. But, turn 
from so resiling a subject — wend, your face south — there 
rises in view, for miles in extent, a lovely country ; view that, 
while I tell you, that Bunker Hill also affords, to old and 
young, one of the most pleasant places of retreat and recrea- 
tion in the summer season, and especially to the naturalist — 
here he can botanize and mineralize, while the carolling of the 
songsters of the wood heighten, by their varied notes, his plea- 
sures in examining this part of our neighborhood, as to its plants, 
minerals, et cetera. 

This, no doubt, had been a great place of resort for the In- 
dians, on account of the commanding view afforded them of the 
country, on either side of the hill. Hundreds of arrow-heads 
are still found here, and go far to strengthen the hypothesis, that 
this was a common place of resort for the Indians, in all sea- 
sons of the year. Passing, it might be stated, that near the 
Little Swatara, variegated marble is found. 

Other advantages, not generally considered, are to be met 
with here. There are some superior advantages for manufac- 
turing purposes. I would venture the prediction, to say : — 
"This place will some day become a manufacturing town." — 
We possess water power in abundance for all such purposes. — 
Where need be more for propelling machinaries of all kinds ? — 



ODZ HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

The facilities to transport, by canal, all raw materials to, and 
manufactured articles, from the place, are certainly not surpas- 
sed by any in Pennsylvania. Fuel, essentials to every one and 
at all times, is cheap and plenty, and can be readily supplied: 
the coal regions being not far distant. Capitalists and enter- 
prising manufacturers, would do well to give this place a seri- 
ous consideration. The investment would be more than "bank- 
sure." 

Two miles above the Big Dam, in Swatara Gap, near the 
pubHc road, is a beautiful cascade, which, it is confidently be- 
lieved, is unsurpassed by any in the interior of the State. Four 
miles north of the cascade, on the summit of Sharp Mountain, 
is a prominent ledge of rupic projections, resembling very 
strikingly, at a distance, a group of houses; from the top of 
one of them, if you stand up there, you have a view of the 
Susquehanna Gap and Swatara Gap, where these streams, the 
former in its majesty rolls its way, and the latter sinuously 
steals through an opening in the Blue Mountain. 

It is currently supposed — there is some ground for it — that the 
Indians were wont to build signal fires here: sort of telegraphs— 
for which Morse has a substitute — as they had a regular path 
from our neighborhood to Shamokin, which passed html by this 
rupic town. These rocks are six miles north of Union Forge, 
where Jacob Weidlcr is always found, to hail and receive a 
friend. In the language of his favorite, Harrison, — "The latch 
string of his door is always hanging out." 

Few only of our old settlers, are living. Among them are 
the following: Peter Rank, my aged father; George Heilman, 
Martin Meiley, John Seltzer, and John Bickel, Esq., the post 
master. He has held the office since it was first established in 
1802. Comment is not necessary to show his fidelity as a pub- 
lic ofl^icer. Col. Valentine Schaufler is an old inhabitant, but 
has not resided here as long as some of the af ore-mentioned. — 
He is an aged man — ninety-two years old. He was a soldier 
in the revolutionary army. I have heard the colonel often re- 
late that, during the revolution of '76, he liad been taken pris- 
oner by the- Bi itish, and afterwards deserted from them, and 
that he w^as obliged to swim several miles to effect his escape. 
This, said he, was near New York. 

Five miles west from our town, Mr. Adam Harper settled 
himself, at an ea^ly period. His location was the most western 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 353 

in this county at that time. He was surrounded by Indians. 
They had a string of wigwams hard by his house. He kept the 
first public house in all this region of country. The place is 
still known as "Harper's tavern," on the Harrisburg road. 
Near this, in 1755 or 1756, th Indians killed five or six white 
persons, not half a mile from Harper's. A woman — a sister 
of Major Leidig — was scalped by the Indians, and incredible 
as it may appear to some, survived this barbarous act, and lived 
for years afterwards. This, however, agrees with what you 
stated, when here last winter. 

In conclusion — once more to our own pkce. All tradition 
says, when this place was first settled, it was noted as a place 
for horse racing, gambling, &c., &c. But at present — and for 
a number of years past — it has been, and is a very moral place. 
Vice and immorality have turned their hideous faces t'other 
way. All we need now is a more general diffusion of know- 
ledge, by means of Sabbath schools, schools of advanced 
standing, and preaching of the gospel in its purity and simpli- 
city. 

The thought has occurred to me that a well chosen site for 
an academy would be '*' Bunker Hill." Its advantages need 
no discussion. A trial would, undoubtedly, decide in its favor. 
I must close my epistle. 

Believe me, I remain your friend, 

William Rank. 

Swatara township contained a population in 1830 of 1,510 ; 
in 1840, 1,056 — part of Union township having since been 
taken from it. Average tax valuation for 1844, $416,636,000; 
county tax, ^624 96. 



ANNVILLE TOWNSHIP. 

Annville township was formed out of part of Londonderr^y 
.and Lebanon. It is bounded on the north-east by East Hano- 
ver township; east by Lebanon; south and west by London- 
derry. It contains nearly twenty-two thousand acres of land, 
principally level, and of the best limestone quality, and highly 
improved. Some portion of it is gravel. Some of the finest 

30* 



354 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

and best improved farms in the county, are to be met \vith in 
this township. Many firm substantial farm houses and bains, 
principally of stone, indicative of wealth and taste, can be seen 
as one passes along the public roads. Some old tile-covered 
houses are still to be seen. 

This township is well supplied with streams of water, which 
afford abundance of water power for mills, &c. The Swatara 
forms the boundary on the north ; the Quitapohila flows through 
the township, and receives, in its course, Killinger's run. There 
is a forge on the Quitopahila — Meadow run is the name of an- 
other small stream in this township. 

In 1840 it contained one fulling mill, one woollen factory. 
eight grist mills, five saw mills, one oil mil), one distillery, and 
eleven stores. Population in 1830, 2,7o6; 1840, 2,649: 
average tax valuation of 1844, $915,937 00; county tax 
$1,373 98. 

The Harrisburg and Reading turnpike passes through this 
township. — Millerstown is on it. 

Millerstown- — this place was formerly called "Annville," and 
was laid out by Messrs. Riegel and Ulrich. It is handsomely 
situated, and is a flourishing village on the Quitopahila. It 
contains about one hundred and twenty houses, four or five 
stores, and the same number of taverns, and the usual handi- 
crafts. Several schools — one public school — and an academy, 
are in successful operation. It contains several churches. 

The names of the first settlers are given when speaking of 
Lebanon and Londonderry townships. 

It was at this place — Rev. Dr. Dady — the noted impostor, 
first commenced, by aid of his fascinating eloquence, to gull the 
honest Germans. To show what may be done among a people 
believing implicitly — " men untried," — that place is given to 
the following. A wholesome lesson may be deduced from it. 
When he failed, he tried another region, more genial to his 
purposes. 



DOCTOR DADY 



The following account of that noted impostor, is taken nearly 
word for word from that written by the Hon. John Joseph 
Henry, and sent by him to Philadelphia with the convicted 
impostors. Judge Henry wrote the account from notes taken 
at the trial. It follows, in most things, the order of the testi- 
mony as given in by the witnesses. 

Dr. Dady, who was a German by birth, came to this coun* 
try with the Hessians during the American revolution. Posses- 
sing a fascinating eloquence in the German language, and being 
very fluent in the English, he was afterwards employed as a 
minister of the gospel by uninformed but honest Germans. 

When the sacerdotal robe could no longer be subservient to 
his avaricious views, he laid it aside and assumed the character 
of a physician. As such he went to York county, and dwelt 
among the poor inhabitants of a mountainous part thereof, (now 
within the limits of Adams county,) where, in various artful 
ways, he preyed on the purses of the unwary. 

Of all the numerous impositions with which his name is con- 
nected, and to which he lent his aid, we will mention but two. 
The scene of one of them is in what is now Adams county, 
where he dwelt ; and of the other in the " barrens" of York 
county. 

The following is an account of the Adams county imposi' 
tion : — 

Rice Willams, or rather Rainsford Rogers, a New England- 
er, and John Plall, a New Yorker, (both of whom had been 
plundering the inhabitants of the southern states by their wiles,) 
came to the house of Clayton Chamberlain, a neighbor of Dady, 
in July, 1797. 



356 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

On the following morning, Dady went to Chamberlain's, and 
had a private conversation between Williams and Hall, before 
breakfast. After Dady had left them, Williams asked Cham- 
berlain whether the place Was not haunted. Eeing answered 
in the negative, he said that it was haunted — that he had been 
born with a veil over his face — could see spirits, and had been 
conducted thither, sixty miles, by a spirit. Hall assented to 
the truth of this. In the evening of the same day, they had 
another interview with Dady. Williams then told Chamber- 
lain, that if he would permit him to tarry over night, he would 
show him a spirit. This being agreed to, they went into a 
field in the evening, and Williams drew a circle on the ground, 
around which he directed Hall and Chamberlain to walk in 
silence. A terrible screech w'as soon heard proceeding from a 
hlack ghost (!!!) in the woods, at a little distance from the par- 
ties, in a direction opposite to the place where Williams stood. 
In a lew minutes a white ghost appealed, which Williams ad- 
dressed in a lanoruao;e which those who heard him could not 
understand — the ghost replied in the same language! After 
his ghostship had gone away, Williams said that the spirit knew 
of a treasure which it was permitted to discover to eleven men 
— they must be honest, religious and sensible, and neither horse 
jockeys nor Irishmen. 

The intercourse between Williams and Dady now ceased to 
be apparent ; but it w^as continued in private. Chamberlain, 
convinced of the existence of a ghost and a treasure, was easily 
induced to form a company, which was soon affected. 

Each candidate was initiated by the receipt of a small sealed 
paper, containing a little yellow sand, which was called "the 
power." This " power" the candidate was to bury under the 
earth to the depth of one inch, for three days and three nights 
— performing several absurd ceremonies, too obscene to be de- 
scribed here. 

A circle, two inches in diameter, was formed in the field, 
in the centre of which there was a hole six inches wide and as 
many deep. A captain, a lieutenant and three committee men 
were elected. Hall had the honor of the captaincy. The ex- 
ercise w^as to pace around the circle, &c. This, it was said, 
propitiated and strengthened the white ghost, who was opposed 
by an unfriendly black ghost who rejoiced in the appellation of 
Porapey. In the course of their nocturnal exercises they often 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 357 

saw the white ghost — they saw Mr. Porapey too, but he ap- 
peared to have "his back up," bellowed loudly, and threw 
stones at them. 

On the night of the 18th of August, 1797, Williams under- 
took to get instructions from the white ghost. It was done in 
the following manner: He took a sheet of clean white paper, 
and folded it in the form of a letter, when each member breath- 
ed into it three times; this being repeated several times, and the 
paper laid over the hole in the centre of the circle, the instruc- 
tions of the ghost were obtained. The following is a short ex- 
tract from the epistle written by the ghost: 

"Go on, and do right, and prosper, and the treasure shall 
be yours. I am permitted to write this in the same hand I 

wrote in the flesh for your direction — O .JJ\. Take care 

of your powers in the name and fear of God our protector — if 
not, leave the work. There is a great treasure, 4000 pounds 
a-piece for you. Don't trust the black one. Obey orders. — 
Break the enchantment, which you will not do until you get 
an ounce of mineral dulcimer elixiraer; some German doctor 
has it. li is near, and dear, and scarce. Let the committee 
get it — but don't let the Doctor know what you are about — he 
is wicked." 

' The above is but a small part of this precious communication. 
In consequence of these ghostly directions, a young man named 
Abraham Kephart waited, by order of the committee, on Dr. 
Dady. The Dr. preserved his eliximer in a bottle sealed with 
a large red seal, ami buried in a heap of oats, and demanded 
fifteen dollars for an ounce of it. Young Kepharl could not af- 
ford to give so much, but gave him thirty-six dollars and three 
bushels of oats for three ounces of it. Yost Liner, another of 
these wise committee men, gave the Doctor 121 dollars for 
eleven ounces of the stuff. 

The company was soon increased to 30 persons, many of 
whom were wealthy. Among those who were most miserably 
duped may be mentioned Clayton Chamberlain, Yost Liner, 
Thomas Eigham, William Bighara, Samuel Togert, John M'- 
Kinney, James Agnew the elder, James M'Cleary, E-obert 
Thompson, David Kissinger, George Sheckley, Peter Wikeart, 
and John Philips. All these and many other men were, in the 
words of the indictment, " cheated and defrauded by means of 
certain false tokens and pretences, to wit : by means of preten- 



358 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANOX COUNTIES. 

ded spirits, certain circles, certain brown powder, and certain 
compositions called mineral dulcimer elixer, and Deterick's 
mineral elixer." 

But the wiles of these imposters were soon exerted in other 
parts. The following is an account of their proceedings in and 
about Shrewsbury township, in York county. Williams intima- 
ted that he had received a call from a ghost resident in those 
parts, at the distance of forty miles from Dady's. Jacob Wis- 
ter, one of the conspirators, was the agent of Williams on this 
occasion. He instituted a company of twenty-one peisons, all 
of whom were, of course, most ignorant people. The same and 
even more absurd ceremonies were performed by these people, 
and the communications of the ghost were obtained in a still 
more ridiculous manner than before. The communications men- 
tioned Dr. Dady as the person from whom they should obtain 
the dulcimer elixer, as likewise a kind of sand which the ghost 
called the " Asiatic sand," and which was necessary in order 
to give efficacy to the "powers." Ulrich Neaff, a committee 
man of this company, paid to Dr. Dady ninety dollars for 
seven and a half ounces of the elixer. The elixer was put 
into vials, and each person who had one of them, held it in his 
hand and shook it as he pranced round the circle; on certain 
occasions he annointed his head with it, and afterwards, by 
order of the spirit, the phial was buried in the ground. 

Paul Baliter, another of the committee men, took with him 
to Dr. Dady's, a hundred dollars to purchase "Asiatic sand," 
at three dollars per ounce. Dady being absent, Williams pro- 
cured from the Doctor's shop as much sand as the money would 
purchase. In this instance, Williams cheated the Doctor, for 
he kept the spoil to himself, and thenee arose an overthrow of 
the good fraternity. 

Each of them now set up for himself. Williams procured 
directions from his ghost, that each of the companies should 
despatch a committee to Lancaster to buy " Deterick's mineral 
elixer," of a physician in that place. In the meantime Wil- 
liams and his wife went to Lancaster, where they prepared the 
elixer, which was nothing but a composition of copperas and 
cayenne pepper. Mrs. Williams, as the wife of John Huber, 
a German doctor, went to Dr. Rose, with a letter dated " 13 
miles from Newcastle, Delaware," which directed him how to 
sell the article, &c. The enormity of the price aroused the 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 359 

suspicion of Dr. Rose. In a few days the delegates from the 
committee arrived, and purchased elixer to the amount of 
$740 33. When the lady came for the money, she was ar- 
rested, and the secret became known. Her husbandj Williams, 
escaped. 

The Lancaster expedition naving led to a discovery of the 
tricks of the impostors, a few days after the disclosures made 
by Mrs. Williams, an indictment was presented in the criminal 
court of York county, against Dr. John Dady, Rice Williams, 
Jesse Miller, Jacob Wister, the elder, and Jacob Wisterj the 
younger, for a conspiracy to cheat and defraud. The trial took 
place in June following, and resulted in the conviction of Wis- 
ter, the elder, and Dr. Dady — the former of whom was fined 
ten dollars, and imprisoned one month in the county jail, the 
latter fined ninety dollars, and sentenced to two years confine- 
ment in the penitentiary at Philadelphia. 

Dady had just been convicted of participating in the conspi- 
racy in Shrewsbury, when he and Hall were found guilty of a 
like crime in Adams county — whereupon Hall was fined one 
hundred dollars and sent to the penitentiary for two years, and 
Dady was fined one hundred and sixty dollars, and sentenced to 
undergo an additional servitude of two years in the penitentiary, 
to commence in June, 1800, when his first term would expire. 

Thus ended the history of Doctor Dady, who certainly 
was not devoid of talent, who possessed a most winning ad- 
dress, and was a thorough master in quick and correct discern- 
ment of character. He reigned, for a season, with undisputed 
sway, in what was then the western part of York county. His 
cunning, for a long time, lulled suspicion to sleep. The history 
of his exorcisms should teach the credulous that the ghosts 
which appear now-a-days are as material as our own flesh. — 
His. York Co. 



S60 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES* 



MILLERSTOWN. 

To return again to the vicinity of Millerstown. About one 
mile north-east from Millerstown, the first public house, in this 
region of country, was kept by the grand-father of Adam Ul- 
rich, the present occupant. Mr. Ulrich also kept a small store, 
and traded with the Indians, many of whom staid weeks w^ith 
him. Mr. Adam Ulrich's father, when a boy, frequently sported 
and played with the Indians, in the thickets. It appears there 
was a burying ground near Ulrich's house, 

One evening, about the year 1756 or '57, Mr. Adam Ulrich's 
father, and grandfather, were feeding their cattle, when they 
were surprised by the Indians, but fortunately escaped and 
eluded the pursuit of them; whereupon, the Indians killed all 
the cattle, by cutting out their tongues. This happened on 
the farm now owned by Mr. Shenk. 

During the late war of 1812, when a praiseworthy spirit 
pervaded community to resist British encroachments, and also 
to establish manufactories to manufacture goods for our own 
consumption, several wealthy gentlemen of Lancaster county, 
headed b}' the enterprizing Mr. Hentzelman, erected an exten- 
sive cotton and woollen factory, a few miles from Millerstown, 
at the enormous expense of J$U6,000 — and for some time car- 
ried on business with success, but owing to the ruinous policy 
of not protecting American industry — opening our ports wide 
for foreign manufactures, they failed. Their goods were con- 
sidered equal in quality to any manufactured in the country. 

Free foreign importations — either of British goods, or Brit- 
ish paupers — will eventually ruin the whole country. Our 
country should be protected against both, by wholesome re- 
strictions. Our policy is too liberal. It is mis-directed chari- 
ty, to open our ports for foreign goods, and foreign paupers, 
without salutary restrictions ! I 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 



Jackson township — this township was originally embraced 
by Heidelberg and Bethel townships, to which the reader is 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 361 

referred for the names of some of the first settlers, a few of 
whom had come from Schoharie, in New York, others emigra- 
ted directly from Europe. This part of the county was em- 
braced, in what is so well known, in the early history of Penn- 
sylvania, as the "Tulpehocken settlement," or as the name is 
written in the Provincial Records, Turpyhocken.* It was 
through this region, that the Indians had their common course, 
in carrying their furs and skins from the west to the east, as 
may be learned from a proposal made by William Penn, in 1690, 
for a second settlement in the province of Pennsylvania. He 
says: — "It is now my purpose to make another settlement 
upon the river Susquehannagh, that runs into the Bay of Che- 
sapeake, and lies about fifty miles west from the Delaware, as 
appears by the common maps of the English dominions in 
America. There I design to lay out a plan for the building of 
another city, in the most convenient place for communication 
with the former plantation on the east, which by land is as 
good as some already, a way being laid out between the two 
rivers very exactly and conveniently, at least three years ago, 
and what will not be hard to do by water, by the benefit of 
the river Scoulkill ; for a branch of that river lies near a branch 
that runs into the" Susquehannagh river, and is the common 
course of the Indians with their skins and furrs in our parts, 
and to the province of east and west New Jersey, and New 
York, from the west and north-east parts of the continent from 
which they bring them.f 

The Honorable John Evans, Esq., Lieut. Governor of the 
Province of Pennsylvania, passed from the Susquehanna, 
through here on his way to Philadelphia, in July, 1707, as 
may be seen from the following extract from his journal. 

" The Governor, with Messrs. John French, William Tonge, 
Mitchel Bezaillion, and one Grey, and four servants, set out 
from New Castle, the 27th of June, and the next morning ar- 
rived at Otteraroe, &c.J 

"On Tuesday, 1st July, we went to Conestogoe, and lay 
there that night, and the next morning proceeded on our jour- 
ney, and arrived in the Evening within 3 miles of an Indian 

* Mill. Prov. Council ii, 19G. 

t Haz. Reg., vol. i, p. 400. 

I Minutes o/Prov. Coun. ii, 401, — -5. 

31 



362 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Village, called Peixtan. The Govr. had received InformatioiS 
at Pequehan, that one Nicole, a ffrench Indian Trader, was at 
that place, agst. whom great Complaints had been made to the 
Govr. of wdiich he acquainted the Chief Indian of Peixtan, as 
also of his design to seize him ; w^ho willingly agreed to it, but 
advised the Govr. to be very cautious in the manner: there 
being only young People at home, who perhaps might make 
some Resistance, if it were done without their first being told 
of it; for this reason we lay short of the Village that night; 
but Early in the morning we w^ent within half a mile of the 
Town, & leaving our horces, march'd a foot nearer the 
same; from whence the Govr. sent Martine to the Village : 
Ordering him to tell Nicole that he had brought 2 Caggs of 
Rum with him, which he had left in the woods, for fear any 
Christians were there; and withal to perswade Nicole to 
go with him and taste the Rum. Martine returned with 
James Letort, & Joseph Jessop, 2 Indian Traders but could 
not prevail with Nicole ; upon this, Martine was sent back with 
Orders to bring down some of the Indians, and Nicole with 
them: then we drew^ nearer the Town, and laid ourselves in the 
bushes, and Martine returned with 2 Indians, whom the Govr. 
acquainted wdth his intent of taking Nicole, telling at the same 
time, he had spoken with to the Uncle of one of them 
upon that head, who ordered the Indians to submit to the 
Govrs. Commands, with wdiich they were contented, tho' we 
perceived too well the contrary, by their inquiring how many 
"we were, and how armed ; and by the Concern they seemed to 
be in, when they found w^e were more men m number than they : 
but still Nicole was wanting; it was therefore Resolved to 
try once more if he could be got into the w'oods, according- 
ly Martine went again, and brought Nicole to the place wdiere 
we lay concealed, and asking him to Drink a dram, he seized 
him ; but Nicole started from him and run for it, when imme- 
diately we started out and took him, and presently carried him 
to the Village, (thro' wdiich we w'ere obliged to pass,) and 
there we found some Indians with Guns in their hands, who 
lookt much displeased at wdiat we had done, but we being in a 
readiness against any surprize, they thought it not fit to attempt 
any thing; here w'e stayed abot. half an hour, and then parted 
for Turpyhocken; having mounted Nicole upon a horse, and 
tied his legs under the Belly ; we got within a mile of Turpy- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 363 

hocken about 2 of ye Clock, on fryday morning, and about 7 
the Govr. went to the town, from thence we went to Mana- 
tawny that night, & the next day to Philadelphia." 

During the French and Indian war, from 17-55 to 1760, the 
inhabitants of this township, in common with many others, were 
repeatedly alarmed by the Indians. Several murders were 
committed by them within the borders of this township. On 
one occasion many of the inhabitants of this and adjacent town- 
ships, met at the house of Benjamin Spycker's, near the pre- 
sent site of Stouchstown. There, a company consisting of ris- 
ing of three hunched men, went in pursuit of the Indians, most 
of them well armed, though about twenty of them, had nothing 
but axes and pitchforks — all imanimously agreed to die toge- 
ther, and engage the enemy, wherever they should meet them. 
This happened in October 1755.* 

In this, as well as other townships, there were several block 
houses, or forts, to which, in cases of emergency, the inhabit- 
ants would flee. There was one — we were informed by Mr. 
Breitenbach, on the farm now owned by him — a short distance 
east of Myerstown. 

Philip Breitenbach, father of Mr. Breitenbach mentioned 
above, came from Germany — in 1754 he purchased the tract of 
land, on which a fort was afterwards erected, from Martin 
Noacker. Philip Breitenbach was wont, on many occasions of 
alarm, to take his drum and beat on an eminence near his house, 
to collect the neighbors from work, into the fort. On one oc- 
casion, the Indians pursued them close to the house, when one 
ef the inmates took up a gun, and shot the Indian dead on the 
spot. 

Jackson township is bounded on the north-east by Berks 
county — on the south by Heidelberg township, and on the west 
by South and North Lebanon, and Bethel townships ; and con- 
tains nearly fifteen thousand acres of first rate land — limestone 
soil, and the surface is generally very level. The improvements 
are very firm. Buildings are — many of stone — large and com- 
modious. 

This township is crossed by both the Reading and Harris- 
burg turnpike, and Union Canal. Tulpehocken creek, and the 

* See Conrad Weiser's letter to Governor Morris, p. 43 — 44 antea. 



364 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Swatara, are the principal streams, affording water power for 
mills, &c. In 1840, this township contained three grist mills, 
one saw mill, two tanneries, two distilleries, four stores, and 
two lumber yards. Population in 1830, 2,120 ; 1840,2,508. 
Average tax valuation for 1840, $1,031,326; county tax 
$2,546 99. 

Myerstown, on the Reading and Harrisburg turnpike, seven 
miles east from the town of Lebanon, was laid out by Isaac 
Myers about seventy-five years ago. The locality is quite a 
pleasant one. The country around it is certainly not surpassed 
by any in the State, for fertihty of soil. 

The town has been much improved within the last twenty 
years. It contains several fine buildings; among others, the 
Lutheran church, built in 1812, which, in its way, makes a 
"modest" appearance. All the useful branches are taught 
here — with what success, it has not been stated to the writer- 
It is supplied with a School Library. This is a good feature 
in the general plan. 

The Evangelical Association is erecting a house for pubhc 
worship here. Sunday schools, and other schools are pretty 
well attended. The population exceeds 700 souls. Somethrea 
or four buildings are being put up at present. 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 

Union township has been erected within a few years, out of 
the contiguous townships. It has East Hanover on the west, 
and Swatara township on the east. The Big Swatara creek 
is its principal stream. 

Fort Smith, it is believed, was in this part of the country, 
within the limits of Union township. Not a few seem to 
think, each of them has the honor of having it perpetuated, 
that Fort Smith was on his farm. Some with whom we have 
conversed, locate it at Union Forge. An intelligent gentleman, 
Jacob Weidler, Esq., in a communication of Feb. 13, 1844, 
says: — "The following facts I obtained from Mr. Daniel Mus- 
ser, who is nearly seventy years old. He suggests that there 
may .probably be an error to locate Fort Smith, where Union 
Forge is, Mr. Musser's maternal grandfather, Peter Hey- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 365 

drich, who emigrated from Germany and located, previous to 
1738, about three-fourths of a mile due north from this place, 
it appears, owned the place on which Fort Smith was erected. 
My informant says, he knows that a fort had been erected on 
his grandfather's farm, to which, in great emergencies, the 
neighbors fled for safety. 

The persons whom Mr. Musser remembers of having heard 
of that resided in this township, as old settlers, were Mr. No- 
acre or Noecker, who was shot dead in his field while plough- 
ing, on the farm now owned by John Zehring. He says that 
one Philip Maurer was shot dead while cradling oats on the 
farm now occupied by John Gross. Martin Hess, who escaped 
unhurt, his house also had been a place of refuge — often half a 
dozen of families would resort to Hess's house, which was 
about one mile south-west from Peter Heydrich's, and a half a 
mile west from this place. Mathias Eoeshore (your mother's 
relative) was also an old settler, who, on one occasion retreated 
from the enemy, the Indians, towards Hess's. Just as he had 
got inside the house, seized his gun, and turned upon his pur- 
suers, levelling his deadly weapon at them, and while in the 
act of drawing the trigger, he received a shot from an Indian, 
which wounded him but slightly. The bullet of one savage's 
gun struck that part of Boeshore's rifle, to which the flint is 
attached; the ball glancing a little to one side, wounded him 
in the left side. Eoeshore lived to be a very old man. 

The land on which this fort was erected, is now owned by 
widow Elizabeth Shuey. 'J he old people are unanimous in lo- 
cating the fort on Mrs. Shuey 's farm, at that time the property 
of Peter Heydrich. None of them seems to know that the 
house on Mr. Weidman's place here was ever used as a fort. 
May it not, like the house of Mr. Hess, have been only a kind 
of blockhouse ; as the house of Hess, as well as the one here, 
has also some apertures, or port holes, which were evidentl} 
used to fire out upon the enemy ? 

Of Peter Heydrick, it is related, that on a certain occasion, 
the Indians appeared in great numbers — and nearly all the 
neighbors being in their own houses — Heydrich gave imme- 
diate notice to the people to resort to the fort, and in the mean- 
time, (having both fife and drum in the fort, and could beat 
and fife well) took the drum and fife, marched himself into the 
woods or thickets, now beating the drum, then blowing the 

31* 



366 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

fife; then and again gave the word of command, lovd and dis- 
tinct, as if it had been given to a large force — though he was 
the only one to obey orders — by this Guerre de ruse, slight of 
war, he managed to keep the savages away, and collect his 
neighbors securely. JYoth bricht Eisen. 

The following letter from the pen of Adam Reed, Esq., da- 
ted in Hanover, Oct. 14, 1756, may cast some additional light 
on this point. The letter was addressed to Edward Shippen, 
Esq., and others. 

" Friends and Fellow Subjects : 

I send you in a few lines, the melancholy condition of the 
frontiers of this county. Last Tuesday, the 12th inst., ten In- 
dians came on Noah Frederick, while ploughing, killed and 
scalped him, and carried away three of his children that were 
with him — the eldest but nine years old — and plundered his 
house and carried away every thing that suited their purpose; 
such as clothes, bread," butter, a saddle, and a good rifle gun, 
&c. — it being but two short miles from Captain Smith's fort, 
at Swatara gap, and a httle better than two miles from my 
house. 

Last Saturday evening, an Indian came to the house of Phi- 
lip Robeson, carrying a green bush before him — said Robeson's 
son being on the corner of his Fort, watching others that were 
dressing, flash by him — the Indian perceiving that he was ob- 
served, fled; the watchman fired, but,missed him. This being 
about three-fourths of a mile from Manady Fort ; and yester- 
day morning, two miles from Smith's Fort, at Swatara, in 
Bethel township, as Jacob Farnwal was going from the house 
of Jacob Meyhn to his own, was fired upon by two Indians, 
and wounded, but escaped M'ith his life; and a little after, in 
said township, as Frederick Henly and Peter Sample were car- 
rying away their goods in wagons, were met by a parcel of 
Indians, and all killed, lying dead in one place, and one man at 
a little distance. But what more has been done, has not come 
to my ears — only that the Indians were continuing their mur- 
ders ! 

The frontiers are employed in nothing but carrying off their 
effects ; so that some miles are now waste I We are willing, 
but not able, without help — you are able, if you be willing. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 367 

(that is including the lower parts of the county) to give such 
assistance as will enable us to recover our waste land. You 
may depend upon it, that without assistance, we, in a few days, 
will be on the wrong side of you ; for I am now on the frontier, 
and I fear that by to-morrow night, I will be left two miles. 

Gentlemen, consider what you will do, and donH he long 
about it; and let not the world say, that we died as fools died ! 
Our hands are not lied, but let us exert ourselves, and do some- 
thing for the honor of our country, and the preservation of our 
fellow subjects. I hope you will communicate our grievances 
to the lower parts of our country ; for surely they will send us 
help, if they understood our grievances. 

I would have gone down myself, but dare not, my family 
is in such danger. I expect an answer by the bearer, if pos- 
sible.* 

I am, gentlemen. 

Your very humble servant, 

Adam Reed. 

p. S. Before sending this away, I would mention, I have 
just received information, that there are seven killed and five 
children scalped aUve, but have not the account of their names. 

A considerable portion of this township is hilly. The soil 
gravel and sienitic, some yellow shale and limestone, all of 
which is susceptible of high improvement. Average tax valua- 
tion, $178,890 00; county tax mSS M. 

* Provincial Records, P., p. 69. 



CHAPTER 11. 



GENERAL STATISTICS OF LEBANON COUNTY 



PRODUCTS OF THE MINE. 

Products of the mine are iron, manufactured into cast and 
bar iron. There were, according to the census of 1840, three 
furnaces in the county, and they produced three thousand and 
twenty tons of cast iron ; three bloomeries and forges, which 
produced two hundred and ninety-seven tons of bar iron ; the 
furnaces and forges consumed six thousand one hundred and 
eight tons of fuel — employed two hundred and thirty one riaen, 
including m.ining operations — capital invested, two hundred and 
thirty-three thousand dollars. 

LIVE STOCK. 

Live Stock. — Five thousand and fifty-six horses and mules ; 
fourteen thousand seven hundred and eighty -one neat cattle; 
ten thousand nine hundred and seventy-seven head of sheep; 
thirteen thousand seven hundred and eighty swine; poultry of 
all kinds valued at seven thousand one hundred and thirty-five 
dollars. 

CEREAL PRODUCTIONS. 

Cereal productions. — Wheat, two hundred and fifteen thous- 
and four hundred and twenty-eight bushek; two hundred and 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 



36a 



forty-five bushels of barley ; oats, two hundred and thirty-two 
thousand six hundred and two bushels; rye, one hundred and 
forty-seven thousand two hundred and fifty-four bushels; eight 
hundred and thirty-live bushels of buckwheat; two hundred and 
thirty-nine thousand and thirty-one of Indian corn. 

VARIOUS AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS. 

Various other agricultural products are: fourteen thousand 
nine hundred and forty-three pounds of wool raised ; one hun-. 
dred and one thousand six hundred and thirty-two bushels of 
potatoes; sixteen thousand five hundred and sixty tons of hay; 
one hundred pounds of silk cocoons ; six thousand nine hundred 
and thirty-three cords of wood sold. 

THE DAIRY. 

Value of the products of the dairy, twenty-six thousand five 
hundred and twenty-two dollars. The value of the products 
of the orchard, six thousand one hundred and twenty-three 
dollars ; fifty gallons of wine manufactured. Home made or 
family goods made, nine thousand seven hundred and twenty- 
two dollars. 

COMMERCE. 

There were fifty-eight groceries and stores, with an aggre- 
gate capital of two hundred and forty-one thousand nine hun- 
dred dollars; seven lumber yards, capital invested twenty-four 
thousand five hundred ; employed one hundred and twenty eight 
men. Thirty-five persons were employed in internal transport 
tation. 

MACHINERY. 

The value of machinery manufactured was estimated at six 
thousand dollars, and employed twenty-six men. Hardware 
and cutlery, two hundred dollars — employed three men. Bricks 
and lime, twenty-one thousand eight hundred and sixty dollars; 
two hundred and eleven men employed. Capital invested in the 
preceding manufactories, sixteen thousand nine hundred and ten 
dollars. 



'J70 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 



MANUFACTORIES. 

The county is pretty well supplied with factories; four ful- 
ling mills, two woollen factories; value of manufactured goods 
produced, four thousand one hundred and eighty dollars; thirty 
persons employed ; capital invested, one thousand four hundred 
and eighty dollars. 

Silk has received some attention, nmety pounds of reeled 
silk were raised, valued three hundred and eighty dollars; era- 
ployed six males and five females; capital invested limited, only 
iifty-two dollars. The value of manufactured goods, eleven thou- 
sand and thirty-four dollars; persons employed, three hundred 
and eighty-three ; capital invested, five thousand four hundred 
and fifty-one dollars. The raising of tobacco has received some 
attention — the value of .the manufactured article amounted to 
five thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars; employed twen- 
ty-six men; capital invested, three thousand and seventy-five 
dollars 

Value of hats and caps manufactured, eleven thousand nine 
hundred dollars; nineteen persons employed ; capital invested, 
five thousand five hundred and fifty dollars. 

TANNERIES, &C. 

Tanneries, there were twenty two ; tanned four thousand six 
hundred and sixty-six sides of sole leather; two thousand eight 
hundred and twenty-five sides of upper leather; fifty-two men 
employed ; capital invested, forty-six thousand eight hundred 
dollars. There were twenty-nine saddleries; value of manu- 
factured articles, estimated at thirty-four thousand four hun- 
dred and fifty; capital invested, fifteen thousand seven hundred 
and sixty-four dollars. 

SOAP AND CANDLES MANUFACTURED. 

Soap, three thousand six hundred and eighteen pounds ; tal- 
low candles, seven thousand two hundred and twenty-five dol- 
lars — employed one hundred and thirty-seven — capital invested, 
one thousand seven hundred and seventy dollars. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AJJD LEBAJJON COUNTIES. 37l 



DISTILLED AND FERMENTED LIQUORS. 

Twelve distilleries were in operation in 1840, which pro- 
duced seventy-three thousand five hundred and twenty gallons ; 
two breweries made twelve thousand two hundred gallons of 
beer — the distilleries and breweries employed twenty-four men; 
capital invested, fourteen thousand three hundred and fifty gal- 
lons. 

VALUE OF MEDICINES, DRUGS, &C.. &C. 

One thousand and fifty dollars. Five potteries produced hi 
value, one thousand eight hundred dollars — employetl eight 
men — capital, seven hundred and seventy-five dollars. One 
sugar refinery — value of produce, one thousand two hundred 
dollars. Confectionaries made to the value of twelve thousand 
dollars — four men employed — capital, six thousand dollars, 

PAPER MANUFACTURED, &C. 

There was one paper manufactory — value of produce, six 
thousand dollars — five men employed — capital, three hundred 
dollars. Four printing offices — three weekly newspapers pub- 
lished and one periodical — thirteen men employed — capital, ninf- 
thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars. 

CARRIAGES AND W^AGONS. 

Were manufactured to the value of thirteen thousand and forty 
dollars — employed fifty-eight men — capital invested, seven 
hundred and fifteen dollars. 

MILLS, &C. 

The number of grist mills was thirty-seven, which manufac- 
tured two thousand six hundred and ninety barrels of flour. 
Saw mills, twenty-four. Two oil mills. The value manufac- 
tured of saw and oil mills, was forty-three thousand two hun- 
dred and ninety-three dollars — employed seventy-eight hands — 
capital invested, seventeen thousand nine hundred and sixty-five 
dollars. 



372 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

The number of brick and stone buildings built in 1840, was 
twelve, and twenty-two of wood — employed one hundred and 
nineteen men. 

All othei- Manufactures not enumerated above, amounted in 
value to one hundred and seventeen thousand two hundred and 
fifty-nine dollars — capital invested twenty-two thousand three 
hundred and seventy dollars. Total capital invested in all the 
manufactories, was one hundred and ninety thousand eighty- 
seven dollars. 



POPULATION. 



jTAe Population of Lebanon county in 1840j was as follows : 

Ffee white males under 5, one thousand eight hundred and 
Seventy-seven; of 5 years and under 10, one thousand five 
hundred and thirteen; of 10 and under 15, one thousand four 
hundred and seven; of 15 and under 20, one thousand two 
hundred and ten; of 20 and under 30, one thousand seven 
hundred and eighteen ; of 30 and under 40, one thousand one 
hundred and sixty-three ; of 40 and under 50, nine hundred 
and five ; of 50 and under 60, four hundred and ninety-nine ; 
"80 and under 70, two hundred and eighty; of 70 and under 80, 
one hundred and twenty-six; of 80 and under 90, thirty-four; 
of 90 and under 100, one. 

Free white females under 5 years, one thousand eight hun- 
dred and four ; of 5 and under 10, one thousand five hundred 
and sixty two; of 10 and under 15j one thousand two hundred 
and seventy- six; of 15 and under 20, one thousand two hun- 
dred and ninety-seven; of 20 and under 30, one thousand nine 
hundred and nineteen ; of 30 and under 40, one thousand one 
hundred and seventy ; of 40 and under 50, eight hundred and 
eighty-six* of 50 and under 60, five hundred and seventy-nine; 
of 60 and under 70, three hundred and thirty-eight ; of 70 and 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 373 

under eighty, one hundred and sixty ; of 80 and under 90, forty ; 
of 90 and 100, five. 

Colored Persons. — Colored males under ten years, 17 ; of 
ten and under twenty-four 10 ; of twenty-four and under thirty- 
six, 9; of thirty six and under fifty-five, 10; of fifty-five and 
over one hundred, 4; colored females under ten, 19; often and 
under twenty-four, 11; of twenty-four and under thirty-six, 9; 
of thirty-six and under forty-five, 11 ; of fifty-five and under one 
hundred, 3. Total population of Lebanon county, 21,872; of 
these 27 are engaged in mining ; 2,205 in agriculture ; 122 in 
commerce; 4,324 in manufactures and trades; 2 in navigation 
on the ocean; 130 in the navigation on canals; 47 of the learned 
professions; 30 pensioners; of the borough of Lebanon, namely: 
George Hess, aged 79; Swatara, Peter Witraoyer, 80; Anna 
Barbara Yeagley, 78; Peter Sailor, 77; John Shalley, 79; Ja- 
cob Heim, 74; John Bickel, 88; Valentine Shoufler, 88 ; Mar- 
tin Meily, 68 ; George Heilmen, 81 ; East Hanover, Thomas 
Kopenhaver, 80; John Hetrich, 77; Jacob Decker, 84; Philip 
Witmeyer, SO; John Garberich, 81; James Steward, 83 ; Lon- 
donderry, Jacob Lentz, 81; Adam Trist, 80; Jacob Keaner, 
Andrew Robeson, 8i; Heidelberg, George Wolf, 79; Marga- 
retta Leob, 79; Elizabeth Derr, 81 ; Lebanon, Andrew Hoover, 
7o ; Dilman Doup, 81; Mary Weaver, 75; Bethel, Catharine 
Walborn, 85; Jackson, Mary Bainny, 75; Rebecca Bowers, 
74; John Smith, 86. 

Six deaf and dumb persons of 11 years and under 14; four- 
teen of 14 years and under 25 ; nineteen of upwards of 25 
years; sixteen blind persons; twenty-six insane and idiots. 

EDUCATION. 

Four academies, one hundred and fifty-four scholars; thirty- 
six primary and common schools, one thousand three hundred 
and twenty-seven scholars; four hundred and twenty-four 
schooled at public expense. There are six hundred and eighty- 
nine white persons over twenty years of age, who cannot read 
and write. 

32 



CHAPTEK IIL 



GEOLOGY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, 

In giving an account of the geology of a small district of a 
country, it requires, to enter minutely into it, a larger space 
than the design of this compilation will admit. Nothing origi- 
nal is presented. What is given, is from the pen of that dis- 
tinguished and accomplished writer, the author of the Geogra- 
phy of Pennsylvania, a book that should be in every family in 
the State.* 

BERKS COUiJTY. 

The geological character of this county is various in its dif^ 
ferent parts. On the southern border is the red shale of the 
middle secondary series ; in the upper or northern portion of this 
red shale, the calcareous conglomerate rock, called Potomac 
marble, is abundant in several places, particularly near the 
Schuylkill below Reading. North of this are the hills of the 
South mountain range, which contain gneiss, sienite, and other 
primary rocks, together with the hard whitish sandstone which 
overlies the primary. Several of the httle valleys interspersed 
between these hills, contain irregular belts of limestone. — 
Northward of this chain of hills is the great limestone formation 
of the Kittatiny valley, which extends along its south-eastern 
side from the Delaware river to the Maryland hne ; and adjoin- 
ing it on the north, reaching to the Blue mountain, is the slate 
formation next in position above the limestone, which is equally 
extensive in its range. At several places in Berks county the 

* The Geography of Pennsylvania by Charles B. Trego, Esq., Assistant 
State Geologist, published by E. C. Biddle, Philadelphia. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 375 

limestone contains belts of slate of considerable thickness, and 
in the neighborhood of Bernville and Womelsdorf, the Hmestone 
and slate Ibrmations appear to have no distinct line of division, 
but alternating strata of both are found. A dike of trap rock 
extends northward across the limestone, east of Sinking spring, 
crossing the Tulpehocken near the mouth of Cacoosing creek, 
and extending northward into the slate region. 

Iron ore occurs in several parts of the county. At Mount 
Pleasant, in Colebrookdale township, the magnetic variety of 
ore has been mined to some extent, and is found in other places 
connected with the primary rocks. In Oley township, and 
near Boyerstown, are mines which were formerly worked for 
the supply of furnaces in tl>at neighborhood. Brown argilla- 
ceous iron ore occurs near Kutztown, and at Moselem it is ex- 
tensively mined, as also near the Lebanon turnpike, about eight 
miles west of Reading. A rock yielding hydraulic cement of 
good quality, is found near the Schuylkill, from which that ar- 
ticle is manufactured in considerable quantity for use. Copper 
ore occurs at several places within the county, but generally in 
such small quantity and so mixed with iron as to render the ex- 
pediency of working it very doubtful. Near Morgantown is a 
mine of this character, which is not at present in a productive 
state. 

LEBANON COUNTY. 

Being situated mostly within the Kittatiny valley, the phy- 
sical features and geological character of this county, are simi- 
lar to those of Berks and Dauphin, between which it lies. — 
Along the southern border nve hills of sandstone and trap rock, 
and in the same region we find the middle secondary red shale, 
extending northward from Lancaster into the edge of Lebanon. 
North of this is a broad belt of the valley limestone ex- 
tending to a line nearly parallel with, and a little north of the 
Reading, Lebanon, and Harrisburg turnpike, where it joins the 
slate formation. The next western part of Berks county, 
thin strata of limestone frequently occur, and belts of the slate 
are observed which are red, brown and yellow, thus differing 
from the general dark bluish colour of this formation. In the 
northern part of the slate region are some thick beds of coarse 
gray sandstone, occasionally containing imbedded pebbles.-^r- 



376 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

These may be observed in the hills on both sides of the Swa- 
tara creek, about three miles aboA'e Jonestown. Near Jones- 
town, on the south, are hills of trap rock, the influence of which 
has produced some curious and interesting modifications in the 
geological features of the neighborhood. 

The northern part is mountainous. Proceeding northward 
from the Blue mountain, to the county line on the Fourth moun- 
tain, we pass, in succession, over the intermediate formations 
between the sandstones of the Blue mountain (IV,) and those 
of the Second mountain (X). In the valley of Stony creek is 
the red shale, (XI,) and above it, in the Third and Fourth 
mountains, the pebbly conglomerate, and sandstone (XII) next 
below the coal. In the narrow trough between these two 
mountains is the extended south-western point of the Pottsville 
coal basin. 

Magnetic iron ore is found among the hills in the southern 
part of the county ; it is mined at Cornwall, where specimens 
have been obtained yieldmg 70 per cent, of metallic iron. In- 
dications of other varieties of iron ore occasionally appear, and 
in the limestone formation argillaceous and pipe ore has been 
dug in several places. 

NOTES. 

The Roman numericals IV, X, XI, and XII, refer to, and 
exhibit the order of stratification of the lower secondary forma- 
tions of Pennsylvania, east of the Susquehanna. 

For the information of those who have not the State Geolo- 
gist's Reports, the following extracts are indispensable to under- 
stand the preceding article. 

IV. This stratification consists of hard white and gray sand- 
stones, and coarse massive conglomerates — contains impres- 
sions of several species of fucoides. 

X. White and gray silicious sandstones, with dark bluish 
and olive colored slates, also coarse silicious conglomerates, al- 
ternating with gray, yellow and white sandstones, and bands 
of black carbonaceous slate ; the latter is sometimes erroneously 
taken for coal slate. 

XI. Red shales and soft argillaceous red sandstone, and oc- 
casional beds of compact silicious, red and gray sandstones; 
also a few thin calcareous bands. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 377 

XII. Coarse quartzose conglomerates, alternating with white 
and gray sandstones, and occasional thin beds of dark carbona- 
ceous shale. — Second Annual Report of the Geological explo' 
ration of the State of Pennsylvania, by Henry D. Rogers. 
1838. 



32* 



CHAPTER IV. 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



The internal improvements in, and passing through these two 
counties, were made by associated individuals, as incorporated 
companies, or by the Commonwealth. These shall be briefly 
noticed. 

UNION CANAL. 

In the year 1690, WiUiara Penn issued proposals for a se- 
cond settlement or city in the Province, upon the Susquehanna 
river. In the proposals then made, he alludes to the practi- 
cability of connecting, by canal, a water communication be- 
tween the city of Philadelphia, and the city to be, in future., 
erected on the banks of the Susquehanna. "It is now," says 
Penn, "my purpose to make another settlement, upon the river 
Susquehmagh, that runs into the bay of Chesapeake, and bears 
about fifty miles west from the Delaware, as appears by the 
common maps of the English dominion in America. There I 
desio-n to lay out a Plan for building another city, in the most 
convenient place for the communication with the former plan- 
tations in the east: which by land, is as good as done already, 
a way being laid out between the two rivers, very exactly and 
convisniently, at least three years ago; and which will not be 
hard to do by water, by benefit of the river Scoiilkill; for a 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 379 

Branch* of that river lies near a Branchj that runs in the Sus- 
quehannagh river, and is the common course of the Indians with 
their skins and furrs into our parts, and to the provinces east 
and west Jersey, and New York, from west and north-west 
parts of the continent from whence they bring them." 

Turnpikes and Canals were not known in England at that 
time. It is acceded that Pennsylvania is entitled to the credit of 
having first directed public attention to canals and turnpikes in 
the United States. David Rittenhouse, the Astronomer, and 
William Smith, D. D., provost of the University of Pennsyl- 
vania, were the first movers in this matter. 

Afterwards Robert Morris, the financier of the revolution,, 
and still later Robert Fulton, the engineer, of whom Pennsyl- 
vania is justly proud, lent their powerful assistance. The 
writings of Turner Camac, William J. Duane, and Samuel 
Breck, Esqs. ; and subsequently of Gerard Ralston, Richard 
Peters, Jr., Matthew Carey, Samuel Mifilin, William Lehman, 
John Sergeant, and Joseph McUvaine, are too well known to 
require enumeration. 

In the year 1792, David Rittenhouse, (and Dr, William 
Smith, we believe, at the same time,) surveyed and levelled a 
route for a canal to connect the waters of the Susquehanna and 
Schuylkill rivers, by means of Swatara and Tulpehocken 
creeks. The Union canal, which has since accomplished this 
object, passes over a portion of this route — the first, which 
was surveyed for a canal in the colonies. 

The views of the projectors of this work were, if the dif?i-_ 
culties of that period be considered, far more gigantic and sur- 
prising than have been entertained by their successors in any 
part of the Union. They contemplated nothing less than a 
junction of the eastern and western waters of Lake Erie and 
of the Ohio with the Delaware, on a route extending 582 miles. 
The Allegheny mountain was wisely deemed to offer an insu- 
perable obstacle to a continuous navigation. A portage over 
this section was accordingly recommended : an expedient which 
we at the present day have been compelled to adopt. 

Duly to appreciate the enterprise of that age, w^e ought to 
consider the great valley of the Ohio and Mississippi was al- 

* The Tulpehocken creek, no doubt is alluded to. 
t The Swatara creek, probably. 



380 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

most one boundless forest ; uninhabited, but by the beasts of 
the forest, or the Indians. Attainable moneyed capital was 
then almost unknown in the vocabulary of those days. No 
canal was then in existence in England. Sankey Brook and 
the Duke of Bridgew^ater's were yet unfinished. Public opinion 
even there, had yet to learn that canals were not visionary un- 
dertakings. The sneers of many were to be encountered; 
nevertheless, under all these discouragements, the earliest ad- 
vocates for inland navigation c( mmenced their efforts in Penn- 
sylvania. In 1760 they induced the American Philosophical 
Society to order a survey for a canal to connect the Chesa- 
peake bay with the Delaware. The provincial legislature 
about the same period, authorized a survey on a route, extend- 
ing 582 miles, to Pittsburg and Erie. This survey was per- 
formed, and a report made strongly recommending the execu- 
tion of the project. The adoption of the plan was postponed 
in consequence of the revolution. After the termination of that 
struggle, several works were commenced in North Carolina, 
Virginia, and Maryland. The canal through the Dismal 
Swamp, connecting the Chesapeake bay and Albemarle sound, 
with the works on the Potomac, James, and Rappahannock 
rivers, were commenced and partially finished, between the 
years 1786 and 1791. 

The great project of Pennsylvania, was allowed to slumber 
until the 29th Sept. 1791, about a century after William 
Penn's first prophetic intimation, when the legislature incorpo- 
rated a company to connect the Susquehanna and Schuylkill by 
a canal and slackwater navigation. Robert Morris, David 
Rittenhouse, William Smith, Tench Francis, and others, were 
named as commissioners. The intention of connecting the eastern 
and north-western parts of the state is distinctly expressed in 
this, and a subsequent act, of 10th April, 1792, By the terms 
of this last act, a company was incorporated to effect a junc- 
tion of the Delaware with the Schuylkill river, by a canal ex- 
tending from Norristown to Philadelphia, a distance of 17 
miles. The Schuylkill river from the former city to Reading, 
vras to be temporarily improved; and thus form, with the 
works of the Susquehanna and Schuylkill company, an uninter- 
rupted water communication with the interior of the state; with 
the intention of extending the chain to Erie and the Ohio. Ex- 
perience soon convinced the two companies that a greater 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 381 

length of canal was requisite, in consequence of the difficulties, 
of improving the channels of the rivers ; hence the company last 
mentioned determined, (in compliance with the suggestion of, 
Mr. Weston, a British engineer, whom they had imported,) to 
extend their canal from river to river, a distance of 70 miles. 
In conjunction with the former company, they nearly comple- 
ted 15 miles of the most difficult parts of the two works ; com- 
prising much rock excavation, heavy embankment, extensive 
deep cuttings, and several locks, which were constructed with 
bricks. In consequence of the commercial difficulties, (in which 
it is known that some of the chief stockholders were shortly 
after involved,) both companies M^ere compelled to suspend 
their operations, after the expenditure of $440,000. The sus-. 
pension of these works, and some years after, of the Chesapeake 
and Delaware canal, had a most disastrous elTect on every simi-. 
lar work which was projected for many years afterwards. 

Frequent abortive attempts were m;ide, from the year 1794, 
to resume operations; and notwithstanding the subscription of 
$300,000 stock, subsequently tendered by the state, these com- 
panies continued a mere languishing existence. In the year 
1811, the two bodies were united, and i-eorgani?ed as the Union 
Canal Co. They were specially authorized to extend their 
canal from Philadelphia to Lake Erie, with the privilege of 
making such fiirther extension, in any other part of the state, 
as they might deem expedient. In 1819 and 1821, the state 
granted further aid, by a guarantee of interest, and a monopoly 
of the lottery 'privilege. The additional subscriptions, obtained 
in consequence of this legislative encouragement, enabled the 
managers to resume operations in 1821. The line was re-lo- 
cated, the dimensions of the canal changed, and the whole work 
finished in about six years from this period ; after 37 years had 
elapsed from the commencement of the work, and 65 ft-om the 
date of the first survey. The Union canal is 89 miles in length, 
including the Swatara feeder, &c., from Middletown, on the 
Susquehanna, to a point on the Schuylkill, a short distance be- 
low Reading. It is calculated for boats of 25 to 30 tons bur- 
den. At Middletown, on the Susquehanna, it connects with 
the main line of Pennsylvania canals; at Reading, with the 
works of the Schuylkill Navigation Co. The descent from the 
summit to the Schuylkill is 311 feet; to the Susquehanna, 
208. 



382 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

The summit is 6 miles (between the Swatara and Tulpe- 
hocken) 78 chains in length; to which must be added the nav- 
igable feeder, which at present extends 6 3-4 miles. The sum-, 
mit passes over a limestone district : much deep excavation in 
rock was required. In consequence of the many fissures which 
abound in limestone rocks, the usual expedient of puddling did 
not succeed in retaining the water in the summit. After many 
experiments, it was found necessary to plank this section 
throughout. On the Schuylkill Navigation Co.'s canal, near 
Reading, which passes over the same limestone formation, a 
similar expedient was adopted. In both cases the plan was, 
successful. On this section, the canal passes through a tunnel 
of 729 feet in length, excavated in solid rock. This summit is 
supplied by the water of the Swatara, conducted to it by the 
feeder already mentioned. As the summit is above the level 
of the feeder, two large water-wheels and pumps are resorted 
to for the purpose of raising the water to the requisite height. 
Tw^o steam engines, one of 120, the second of 100 horse power, 
are provided for the purpose of supplying the feeder in case of 
accident to the w^ater-works. [The feeder has since been con~. 
iinued to a point within four miles of the coal mines.] 

A great error was committed in making the dimensions of 
this canal too small — an error w^hich threatens to be fatal to. 
its existence. It arose partly from the great scarcity of water, 
and partly from erroneous view-s entertained by engineers and 
others having charge of the w-ork. The locks being adapted 
only for boats of 25 tons, while those of the state canals ac- 
commodate a boat of 40 or 50 tons, exclude the greater portion 
of the boats plying on the state works ; added to which, the. 
work has to contend with the competition of the railroad from 
Harrisburg and Columbia to Philadelphia. The latter compe- 
tition discourages the Union Canal Co. from enlarging their 
locks. 

In 1828, about 81,600,000 had been expended in the con- 
struction of the work, in addition to the proceeds of the lotte- 
ry, and excluding the sums expended on the old work. 

Schuylkill Navigation commences at Fairmount dam, 
near Philadelphia, and is continued up the Schuylkill by Nor- 
ristown and Reading to Port Carbon in Schuylkill county ; thus 
opening a communication between the city and the heart of this 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, 383 

Schuylkill coal region. It was commenced in 1815 and com- 
pleted in 1826. This work, like the Lehigh navigation, is a 
series of pools formed by dams across the river, with interven- 
ing short lines of canal, sometimes on the east and sometimes 
on the west side of the river, which is crossed several times on 
the route. Near Reading it is intersected by the Union Canal, 
and thus has a communication with the Susquehanna, and with 
the State canals of the interior. Length of navigation from 
Philadelphia tO Port Carbon 108 miles, of which 58 is canal 
and 50 slack water. The longest line of canal on the route is 
22 miles, called the Girard, the upper end of which is 5 or 6 
miles below Reading. Width of canal 36 feet at top, 22 at 
bottom, and 4 feet deep. Locks 80 by 17 feet: total ascent, 
610 feet. 



TURNPIKES. 

Some interesting letters, it is said, are still extant of William 
Penn, Logan, and other early statesmen of Pennsylvania, which 
contain much interesting information relating to the improve- 
ment of roads, the structure of bridges, &c. In the preceding 
article, part of one of Penn's letters has' been quoted, allud- 
ing to the practicabihty of effecting a communication by wa- 
ter, &c. 

As to the actual construction of turnpike roads in Pennsyl- 
vania, nothing was done before 1792, when a company was 
incorporated to construct a turnpike from Lancaster to Phila- 
delphia. This road was commenced 1792, and finished in 1794, 
at an expense of $465,000. The road is sixty-two miles 
long. 

Since 1792, more than two hundred and twenty-five turn- 
pike companies have been incorporated for the purpose of 
making roads. 

The Berks and Dauphin county turnpike company was incor- 
porated, and commenced the making of the turnpike in 1816, 
Bnd finished it in 1817, at an average cost of $3,800 per mile> 
The original price of the shares was $50. Individual subscrip- 
tions amounted to $63,905. Subscriptions on the part of the 
state, $29,900. 



384 HISTORY OF BEEfKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

The Perkioraen and Reading turnpike company was incor* 
porated, and commenced a turnpike in 1811, and finished in 
1815. The average cost of the road was $7,000 per mile<— 
The individual subscription was $133,000; on the part of the 
state $53,000. These two companies constructed the turn- 
pike east and west of Reading, between Philadelphia and Har- 
risburg. 

The Downington, Ephrata and Harrisburg turnpike compa- 
ny was incorporated, and began a turnpike in 1803, and finished 
it in 1819. This turnpike passes through the western end of 
Lebanon county. Besides these turnpikes, there is another in 
Berks county, leading from Reading to Sunbury, through Al- 
"sace, Maiden creCk, and other townships. 



RAILROADS. 

Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, connects with the Col- 
umbia Railroad, at the foot of the inclined plane, on the west 
side of Schuylkill, near Philadelphia, and thence extends up 
that river, by Reading, to Pottsville in Schuylkill county, thus 
opening a line of communication between Philadelphia and the 
Schuylkill coal region. Being connected with the railroads 
which extend from the various mining districts to the river, it 
will afford a means for the conveyance of coal to the city at all 
seasons. The whole line, from Pottsville to Philadelphia, is 
composed of levels and descending grades, which gives great 
advantages to the descenc|ing transportation. A locomotive en- 
gine of 11 tons weight has conveyed from Reading to the Col- 
umbia Railroad near Philadelphia, at a single load, 101 cars, 
with a gross burden of 423 tons, at. an average speed of 10 
miles to the hour. A part of this load consisted of 2002 bar- 
rels of flour, weighing 190 .tons. There arc three tunnels on 
this road : one at Flat Rock, 8 miles from the city, 960 feet in 
length ; another near Phoenixville of 1832 feet ; and the third 
near Port Chnton, 1600 feet. Near the second tunnel, about 
30 miles from Philadelphia, the road crosses to the east side of 
the river, by a neat and well built viaduct, 228 feet in length, 
and 24 feet above the water. Length from the Columbia Rail- 
road to Reading 54 miles: from Reading to Pottsville 36 miles. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 385 

A branch, 5 miles in length, designed for the transportation of 
coal to the Delaware, leaves this road at the Falls of Schuyl- 
kill, and crosses eastward to the Delaware rive^r at Richmond, 
about three miles above Philadelphia. 

Public roads and bridges are numerous, convenient, and kept 
in good condition in various parts of these two counties. 



CHAPTEE V. 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 



As early as 1765, the British Parliament passed an act that 
all instruments of writing, such as promissary notes, bonds, in- 
dentures, &c., were to be null and void, unless written on pa- 
per or parchment stamped with specific duty. This measure 
was opposed in England and in this country ; and being found 
unpopular, the act was repealed in 17C6; but another act was 
passed by Parhament, declaring that the British Parliament had 
a right to make laws binding the colonies in all cases whatever; 
this act was soon followed by another, imposing, in the colo- 
nies, duties on glass, paper, painters' colors, and tea. These 
several acts kindled in every patriotic bosom, a strong opposi- 
tion to the measures of the mother country, and one circum- 
stance after another led to an open rupture betv/een the colo- 
nies and the parent country, which happened about the year 
1773, when the Bostonians threw the tea overboard. From that 
time on, a flame was kindled in every breast. Gen. Gage, 
from Britain, arrived at Boston in 1774, with more troops, 
some havino- arrived before, "to drag-oon the Bostonians into 
compliance." — The Bostonians had to suffer much; but their 
sufferings excited the sympathy of others. Associations for 
their relief were formed in nearly all the colonies ; even this 
county was not the last nor least to aid in relieving their K«t- 
fering brethren, as will fully appear from the following : 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 38!?. 

Notices, headed " Boston Port Bill," were posted up in 
Reading, calling meetings. The following are the proceedings 
of one of them; 

At a meeting of a very respectable body of freeholders and 
others, inhabitants of the county of Berks, at Reading, the 2d 
of July, 1774, Edward Biddle, Esq., in the chair. 

This assembly, taking into their very serious consideration, the 
present critical situation of American affairs, do unanimously 
resolve as follows, viz: 

1. That the inhabitants of this county do owe, and will pay 
due allegiance to our rightful Sovereign, King George the 
Third. 

2. That the powers claimed, and now attempted to be put 
into execution by the British Parliament, are fundamentally 
wrong, and cannot be admitted without the utter destruction of 
the liberties of America. 

3. That the Boston Port Bill is unjust and tyrannical in the 
extreme. And that the measures pursued against Boston are 
intended to operate equally against the rights and liberties of 
the other colonies. 

4. That this assembly doth concur in opinion with their re- 
spective brethren of Philadelphia, that there is an absolute 
necessity for an immediate congress of the deputies of the se- 
veral advices, in order to deliberate upon and pursue such mea- 
sures, as may radically heal our present unhappy disturbances, 
and settle with precision the rights and liberties of America. 

5. That the inhabitants of this county, confiding in the pru- 
dence and ability of the deputies intended to be chosen for th»^ 
general congress, will cheerfully submit to any measures wliich 
may be found by the said congress, best adapted for the resto- 
ration of harmony between the mother country and the colo- 
nies, and for the security; and firm establishment of the rights 
of America. 

Qj, That as the people of Boston are now suffering in the 
grand and common cause of American liberty, Resolved — 

That it is the duty of all the inhabitants to contribute to the 
support of the said sufferers, and that the committee hereafter 
named, do open subscriptions for their relief. And further, that 
the said committee do lay out the amount of such subscriptions 
in purchasing flour and other provisions, to be sent by them to 
our said suffering: brethren. 



388 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

7. That Edward Biddle, James Reed, Daniel Brodhead, 
Henry Christ, Esqs., Christopher Schultz, Thomas Dundass, 
and Jonathan Potts, gentlemen, be, and they are hereby ap- 
pointed a committee to meet and correspond with the commit- 
tees from the other counties of the Province. 

The thanks of the Assembly were unanimously voted to the 
chairman, for the patriotic and spirited manner in which he 
pointed out the dangerous situation by the unconstitutional 
measures lately pursued by the British Parhament, with respect 
to Boston; expressing, at the same time, the greatest loyalty to 
our Sovereign, and the most warm and tender regard for the 
liberties of America. 

There never appeared to be greater unanimity of sentiment 
upon any occasion, than in the resolves made by the freemen of 
this county, all cordially agreeing to sacrifice every temporary 
advantage, for the purpose of securing liberty to themselves and 
their posterity. 

Similar meetings had been held in Lancaster, in which citi- 
zens from that part of the county, now Lebanon, attended. — 
One of these meetings was held, at the court house in Lancas- 
ter, the 15th of June, 1774, 

The following resolves were then adopted: — Agreed — that 
to preserve the Constitutional rights of the inhabitants of Ameri- 
ca, it is incumbent on every colony, to unite and use the most 
effectual means to procure a repeal of the late act of Parlia- 
ment against the town of Boston. 

That the act of Parliament for blocking up the port and har- 
bor of Boston, is an invasion of the rights of the inhabitants of 
the said town, as subjects of the crown of Great Britain. That 
it is the opinion of the inhabitants at this meeting that the pro- 
per and effectual means to be used to obtain a repeal of the 
said act, will be to put an immediate stop to all imports, and 
exports, to and from Great Britain, until the same act be re- 
pealed. 

That the traders and inhabitants of this town will join and 
concur with the patriotic merchants, manufacturers, tradesmen, 
and freeholders, of the city and county of Philadelphia, and 
other parts of this province, in an association or solemn agree- 
ment to this purpose, if the same shall be by them thought ne- 
cessary. 



HISTORy OF BEHKS AND LEBAKON COUNTIES. 389^ 

December, 1774, the following persons of that part of Lan- 
caster, now Lebanon county, were chosen, with others of Lan- 
caster county, as inspector at an election, to elect a committee 
to observe the conduct of all persons touching the general as- 
sociation of the general Congress ; and as it was necessary that 
each township should elect a proper person to act as inspector, 
and receive the tickets of the electors, on the day of the elec- 
tion, &c., the following persons were chosen. From Hanover 
township, Tipiothy Green ; from Londonderry, John Campbell ; 
from Lebanon, Thomas Clark, Curtis Grubb, Henry Light ; 
from Bethel, Ludwig Schuey, Casper Corr, JohnBishon; from 
Lebanon Town, Henry Bealor. 

The course pursued by the mother country, incensed the 
people of the several provinces and colonies — a continental con- 
gress was assembled at Philadelphia, September 4, 1774. Res- 
olutions were passed, approving the course of Massachusetts, 
in opposition to Gen. Gage — the open and decided hostilities 
eventuated in bloodshed, at the battle of Lexington, AprillO, 
1775, which was soon followed by another — the battle of Bun- 
ker Hill, June 17th. To meet the emergency, the provincial- 
ists and colonists held 'Conventions, military and other meetings. 

In this great conflict between the mother country and the 
colonists, the inhabitants of Berks and Lebanon, took in its 
incipient, progressive and consummating stage, an active part, 
in common with others of Pennsylvania, and the states gener- 
ally. 

Notice for a meeting of General Committee, on 2d of July, 
1776. 

In Standing Committee at Reading, Berks county, Thurs- 
day, June 27th, 1776. 

Nicholas Lutz, Chairman. 

Resolve^, That notice be imniediately given to the member? 
of the General Committee of this county, to meet at the Court 
House in Reading, on Tuesday next, the second day of July, 
on affairs of public importance, and very interesting at this 
critical time, especially to choose officers for six hundred and 
sixty-six men — and that the several members be desired to en- 
quire what officers now^ in the Association are willing to go 
into immediate service on call. 

33* 



390 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

A public meeting was called at Lancaster, to which the 
military of Berks, as well as other counties, sent their ratio of 
men. The meeting consisted of the officers and privates of 
fifty-three battalions of the Association of Pennsylvania, to 
choose two Brigadier Generals, to command the battalions and 
forces in Pennsylvania. We give the names of those of Berks 
who attended the meeting. The meeting was held July 4, 
1776. 

The proceedings of that meeting, in the autograph of the 
Secretary, are still preserved by the Clymer family, of Read- 
ing. They are worthy a place here, as a reminiscence of '76 — 
they cannot be too carefully preserved or too generally circu- 
lated. 

Minutes of a meeting of the Officers and of the Private As- 
sociators of Pennsylvania, July 4, for the choice of two Briga- 
diers. 

At a meeting of the Officers and Privates of fifty-three Bat- 
talions of the Associators of the Colony of Pennsylvania, at 
Lancaster, on the 4th day of July, 1776, on due notice to 
choose two Brigadier Generals, to command the Battalions and 
Forces in the said Colony. 

Col. George Ross, President. 

Lieut. Col. Daniel Clymer, Secretary. 

The Protest of the Board of Officers of the five Battalions, 
of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, to the Assembly, was 
read. 

No. 1. The Circular Letter, signed by the Chairman, Col. 
Roberdeau, was read. 

No. 2. The Circular Letter from the Committee of Privates, 
of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, signed by the Chaii- 
man, Mr. Sam'l Simpson, was read. 

No. 3. The Protest of the Privates of the City and Liber- 
ties of Philadelphia, to the Assembly, signed by Mr. Samuel 
Simpson, was read. 

By the returns of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, and 
the several counties of the colony of Pennsylvania, the follow- 
ing persons were delegated to the Convention, to wit: 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 391 



CITY AND LIBERTIES OF PHILADELPHIA. 

First Battalion; Officers, Col. John Chevalier, Capt. Joseph 
Copperthwait. Privates: Mr. Thomas Nevil, Mr. George 
Nelson. 

Second Battalion; Officers — Col. D. Roberdeau, Capt. Wra. 
Bradford. Privates : Mr. Thos. Montfforaery, Mr. Wm. 
Pool. ' 

Third Battalion; Officers — Major Robt. Knox, Capt. Sharp 
Dulaney. Privates: Mr. Paul Cox, Mr. Charles Prior. 

Fourth Battalion; Officers — Capt. Jno. Kling, Capt. James 
Brewster,. Privates: John Brower, Henry Keck. 

First Rifle— Fifteenth Battalion ; Officers— L. Col. Daniel 
Clymer, Capt. Lewis Bitting. Privates: Thos. Craig, Jacob 
Kitter. 

Philadelphia County— First Battalion; Officers— Major 
Isaac Hews, Mr. Geo. Gray, standard bearer. Privates: Jesse 
Roberts, William Smith. 

Second Battalion; Officers— Capt. Josiah Hart, Capt. Mar- 
shall Edwards. Privates: Robt. Whitten, John Simpson. 

Fourth Battalion ; Privates— James Hazelett, . William 
Hicks. 

Bucks County— First Battalion ; Officers— Capt. John Jar- 
vis, Capt. John Folwell. Privates: Arthur Wats, Joseph 
Fenton. 

Second Battalion; Officers— Capt. John Jameson, Adjutant 
Wra. Thompson. Privates: Ab'm Hollis, Wm. Harr. 

Third Battalion; Officers— Col. And'w Kekline, L. Col. Jo- 
siah Bryan. Privates: John Patterson, Mich'l Stoneback. 

Fourth Battalion; Officers— Col. Robt- Robinson. Privates: 
Tunis Vn Middleswart, Francis Titus. 

Chester County — First Battahon; Officers— Major John 
Culbertson, Capt. Benj'n Wallace. Privates: Samuel Cun- 
ningham, And'w Boyd. 

Second Battahon; Officers— Lt. Col. Wm. Gibbons. Pri- 
vates: David Denny, Sam'l Culbertson. 

Fourth Battalion; Officers— Col. Wm. Montgomery, Capt. 
Joseph Gardiner. Privates: John Mackey, John Fulton. 

Sixth — Lancaster County — First Battalion; Officers — Col. 
Geo. Ross, Lt. Col. Adam Reigart. Privates: Christian Werts, 
Francis Baily. 



392 HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, 

Second Battalion; Officers — Col. Carlis Grubb, Major Philip 
Marstaler. Privates: James Sullivan, Ludwick Ziering. 

Third Battalion; Officers— Lt. Col.Rob't Thompson, Major 
Thos. Smith. Privates : John Smiley, Isaac Erwin. 

Fourth Battalion ; Officers — Capt. Joseph Sherrer, Captain 
James Murray. Privates : Ab'm Darr, Wm. Leard. 

Fifth Battalion; Officers — Col. James Crawford, Captain 
James Mirur. Privates : Henry Slaymaker, John Whitehill. 

Sixth Battalion; Officers — Lt. Col. Lowry, Major James 
Cunningham. Privates : John Bealy, John Jameson. 

Seventh Battalion; Officers— Col. M. Slough, Lieut. Col. 
Leon'd Rautfaung. Privates : Christian Bough, Simon Snider^ 

Eighth Battalion; Officers — Col. Peter Grubb, Capt. Hepiy 
Weaver. Privates : William Smith, George Wry. 

Ninth Battahon; Officers — Lieut. Col. Chris'n Weyman^, 
Major Michael Tire. Privates: Michael Diffebaugh, Anthony 
Debler. 

Tenth Battalion — Ptifle Battalion ; Officers — Col. John Ferre,, 
Lt. Col. And'vv Little. Privates: George Line, Joseph White- 
hill. 

Eleventh — Rifle Battalion; Officers — Col. I'imothy Green, 
Lieut. Col. Peter Heddricks. Privates: Wm. Barnet, George 
Little. 

York County — First Battalion; Officers — Lieut. Col. Jos. 
Donaldson, Capt. Mich'l Smiser. Privates: Wm. Scott John 
ill wing. 

Second Battalion ; Officers — Major Hugh Donwiddie, CajA.. 
F^ugh Campble. Privates: Da. McConnaughy, Esq., Geo. W. 
Clinghan. 

Third Battalion ; Officers — Major Jos. Jeffereis, Major John 
Andrew. Privates: John Hamilton, Thos. Little. 

Fourth Battalion; Col. Wm. Smith, Major Smith, Major 
JohnFinley. Privates: Jacob Shiey, Josiah Scott. 

Fifth Battalion; Officers— Col. Mathew Dill, Major Garrett 
Oeft. Privates: James Nealor, Dan'l Messerty. 

Cumberland — First Battalion; Officers — Capt. John Steel, 
Lieut. Wm. Blair. Privates: Jonathan Hogge, Eph'm Steel. 
Second Battalion; Offixers— Capt, John McClelland, Capt. 
iilias Davison. Privates: Jonathan Smith, Henry Pawling. 

Third Battalion; Officers— L. Col. Wm. Clark, Capt. And, 
McFarland. Privates: James Brown:!, Wm. Sterrett. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 393 

Fourth Battalion ; Officers— Lieut. Col. Fred'k Watts, Capt. 
Geo, Robinson. Privates: John Hamilton, James Read. 

Fifth Battalion; Officers — Col. Joseph Armstrong, Major 
James McCalmont. Privates : James Finley, John Vance. 

Berks County — First Battalion; Officers — Major Gabriel 
Heister, Lieut. Philip Cremer. Privates : John Hartman, Pe^ 
ter Filbert. 

Second Battalion; Officers — Col. Mark Bird, Major John 
Jones. Privates : David Morgan, Benjamin Tolbut. 

Third Battalion; Officers— Lieut. Col. Nich's Lutz, Capt. 
, Geo. Keim. Privates: Henry Spoon, Mathias Winrich. 

Fourth Battalion; Officers — Major Mich'l Lindemut, Capf. 
George May. Privates : Mich'l Moser. 

Fifth Battalion; Officers — Col. John Patton, Lieut. CoL 
John Rice. Privates : Jacob Selsir, Christ'n Winter. 

Sixth Battalion; Offixers — Major Conrad Letfier, Lieut. 
John Miller. Privates : John Hill, Henry Larke. 

Seventh Battalion; Officers — Co/. Sebastian Swan, Adjutant 
Samuel Ebey. Privates: Philip Wisters, Casper Smack. 

Northampton — First ]3attalion; Officers — Major Ab'm _Le- 
bar, Capt. John Orndt. Privates; Wm. McFarren, Jacob Upp. 

Second Battalion; Officers — Col. Henry Geigar, Capt. Mi- 
chael Snider. Privates: Rich'd Barkhous, Peter Haas. 

Third Battahon; Officers — Major John Sigfried, Captain 
Nich's Karn. Privates: Robert Brown, Henry Best. 

Fourth Battalion; Officers — Col. Jacob Stroud, Capt. Tim- 
othy Jayne. Privates: John McDowel, jr.. Derrick Von Fleik. 

Northumberland — The Battalion under Col. Hunter — Offi.- 
cers — Capt. Ch's Gillespie, Lieut. Geo. Calhoun. Pi ivates : 
Fred'k Stone, Laughlan McCartney. 

The Second battalion under Col." Plunkett — Officers — Maj. 
John Brady, Lieutenant Mordecai M'Kinzie. Privates: Paul 
Gattes, Andrew Culbertson. 

The Third Battalion under Col. Weiser — Officers — Col. 
Benjamin Weiser, Lieut. Col. Samuel M'Clay. Privates: Seth 
Matlock, Jonas Yokan. 

The Fourth battahon under Colonel Potter; Officers — Lieut. 
Col. Robert Moodie, Capt. Wm. Gray. Privates: James 
M'Clanahan, Benjamin Starret. 

Westmoreland. First battalion; Officers — Capt. VendleOrey, 



S94 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Captain Alexander Thompson. Privates: William Gutliery, 
William Perry. 

Second Battalion ; Officers — Col. Providence Mornly, Maj. 
James Sr.iith. Privates: John Carmichael, George Gray. 

A question was put, whether the officers and privates shall 
vote by ballot, singly. 

Resolved, unanimously, in the affirmative. 

Resolved, That both Brigadier Generals be voted for at the 
same time, and the highest in votes to be the commanding of- 
ficer. 

Adjourned till 5 o'clock, P. M. 

P. M., 5 o'clock, the officers and privates met, according to 
adjournment. 

Resolved, tliat Col. Mark Bird and Capt. Sharp Belancy, 
with the President, be judges of the election for Brigadiers 
General. 

The election came on the same day, and after casting at the 
poll, the votes stood thus for B?~igadier General: 

Daniel Roberdeau, 160; James Ewing, 85; Samuel Miles. 
82; James Potter, 25; Curtis Grub, 9; George Ross, 9; Tho- 
mas M'Kean, 8; Mark Bird, 7. 

The President immediately declared Dan'l Roberdeau 1st 
Brigadier General, and James Ewing 2d Brigadier General. 

Resolved, That the Brigadier Generals shall have full power 
and authority to call out any number of the associates of this 
]irovince into action, and that j^ov/er to continue until super- 
seded by the convention, or by any authority under the appoint- 
ment. 

Resolved, That the President of this board shall have. full 
jiow^er and authority to grant commissions to the tv/o Briga- 
dier Generals, until commissions issue from the convention, or 
any authority they shall appoint to succeed them. 

Resolved, That we will march under the direction and com-, 
mand of our Brigadier Generals to the assistance of all or any 
of the Free and Independent States of Am^erica. 

Resolved, That the associators to be drafted out of each 
county, by the Brigadier Generals, shall be in the same pro- 
portion as that directed by the late Provincial conference in 
Philadelphia. 

Resolved, That the thanks of this Board be presented to the 
President for his seasonable and correct speech this day in be- 



HlSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBAJfON COUNTIES. 5^J5 

tialf of the Liberties of America, and of this colony in particu- 
lar, and the cheerfulness, alacrity, and impartiality with which 
he conducted the business of the day, which the colonel re- 
viewed, and politely thanked the Board for the honor done him 
in their address. 

Resolved, That Col. Ross, Lieut. Col. Daniel Clyraer, and 
Capt. Chas. Dulaney, be a committee to review and correct the 
number of the proceedings of this day, and they are hereby de- 
sired to publish them in the first newspaper of this Colony, and 
that they be signed by the President. 

George Ross, President. 
D. Clymer, Secretary. 

Lancaster, Jiily, 4, 1776. 



At a rheeting of a board of Officers of the Five Battalions Oi 
the city and liberties of Philadelphia, and of the committee of 
Privates, at the College Hall, on Friday, the 14th of June, 
1776. 

Col. RoBERDEAu in the Chair. 

A member of the committee of Privates, acquainted the 
Board, that the committee of Privates had prepared a Protest 
to the Assembly, against the appointment of Brigadier Gener- 
als, under a Resolve of Congress ; Therefore 

Resolved, by the Board of Officers, That an officer out of 
each Battalion be appointed to draw up a Protest against the 
Assembly's appointing Brigadier Generals under the Resolve 
of Congfress. 

Resolved, That Col. Matlack, Col. Dean, Major Bayard, 
Major Knox, and Captain Will, be appointed for that pur- 
pose. 

The said gentlemen returned a Protest, wliich being read, 
paragraph by paragraph, was amended and unanimously agreed 
to. 

Resolved, That the chairman sign the same, in behalf of 
this board of officers, and present it to the Assembly, which 
Protest is in the words following : 

To the Honorable the House of Representatives of the Free- 



396 HlSTORV OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES." 

men of the province of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly 

met: 
The Pretest of the board of officers of the five battalions of 

the city and liberties of Philadelphia, respectfully sheweth: 

That this board address you by the title heretofore used to 
the Honorable House of Assembly, in order to avoid the least 
appearance of disrespect to the Honorable members now sit- 

*^"^- ■ . ... 

That this board has received information, that the Honorable 

Congress of the United Colonies, has recommended to this co- 
lony to appoint two Brigadier Generals to command the Asso- 
ciators of this province : And we, apprehending that this House 
may be induced to take upon them to nominate and appoint 
the said Brigadier Generals, without having authority of tlce 
Associators for that purpose : And further apprehending, that 
any nomination made by this Honorable House will not give 
satisfaction to the Associators of the province, and, consequent- 
ly, that they will not act under them: For these, and other 
important and weighty considerations, this board do hereby 
Protest against the Honorable House making, or attempting to 
making the said appointments. 

Resolved, {loith one dissenting voice,) That there is an im- 
mediate necessity of calling together a Provincial Meeting of 
Associators, for the purpose of appointing the said Brigadier 
Generals. 

Resolved, That two officers and two privates, of each bat ■ 
talion in the province, be requested to attend in the borough of 
Lancaster, on Thursday, the fourth day of July next, for the 
purpose of appointing two Brigadier Generals, according to 
the recommendation of congress. 

Resolved, That Colonel Matlack, Major Knox, Capt. Will, 
Capt. Wade, Capt. Loxley, and Capt. Humphreys, be a com- 
mittee to draw up and send to the officers of the battalions, in 
this province, a circular letter, for the purpose of calling the 
said convention at the time and place aforesaid, and that the 
chairman sign the same. 

Philadelphia, June 14, 1776. 
Sir, — The above proceedings of the board of officers of the 
five battalions of this city and liberties, will inform you of their 
proceedings in a case which we conceive to be of the most im- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 397 

portant concern to the Associators of this province. The ex- 
treme dangers to which the province now stands exposed, we 
hope, justify us in requesting two officers and two privates of 
each battalion, to meet together at a time which we are very sen- 
sible, will be attended with great inconvenience to you. We 
Hatter ourselves, that your zeal in the great cause of Liberty 
will induce you to a compliance with our recommendation, in 
appointing the delegation mentioned in our resolves, to attend 
in Lancaster, at the time mentioned therein. Various modes 
of appointing Brigadier Generals hare been proposed and care- 
fully considered; and we assure you that we have diligently at- 
tended to this very important alhiir, and are fully satisfied, that 
the r.io;le we recommend is the only om which will eflfectually 
secure the rights and liberties of the associators of this province, 
and enable them to defend themselves against our inveterate 
and cruel enemies, 

N. B. The Resolve of Congress is, That three Provincial 
Brigadier Generals be t^mployed for the Flying Camp, two from 
Pennsylvania, and one from Maryland. That the said Briga- 
dier Generals be appointed by the respective Colonies above 
mentioned » 

D. ROBERDEAU, Pres't. 



To the Privates of the several Battalions of Military Asso- 
ciators in the Province of Pennsylvania, 

Gentlemen, — The Honorable Congress having resolved upon 
a Hying camp of 10,000 men, for the protection of our Province 
and Maryland, viz: 6000 for this Province, 6000 for the low- 
er counties, and 3400 for Maryland : and that Maryland should 
appoint one, and this Colony two Brigadier Generals; The 
Committee of Piivates of the Associators of the city and liber- 
ties of Philadelphia, considering that an appointment made by 
any body of men, besides the Asssociators, would not be per- 
fectly satisfactory, and being further convinced that it was their 
right to make the appointment, and that the security of their 
liberties depended greatly on the exercise of this right, and 
being desirous of having it enjoyed equally by all, have agreed 
with the Board of Officers, to call a Provincial meeting of As- 
o4 



"398 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

sociators, consisting of two Privates and two officers from each 
Battalion, elected by said Battalions for the purpose of choos- 
ing said Generals, to meet in Lancaste?-, on Thursday, the 4tli 
of July. We attended particularly to the season of the year, 
and the difficulty of your attending so near harvest ; but yet, as 
the matter was very important, and we were unwilling to do 
any thing without consulting all, and giving them an equal op- 
portunity with ourselves of exercising their right, we adopted 
this measure: We therefore were persuaded, that freemen, as- 
sociated for the defence of their rights, would overlook every 
difficulty attending a perfect and free exercise of it. — Our As- 
sembly, we mean such of its members as are not quite with us. 
wished to have the appointment, but we prepared the follow- 
ing protest against it, as the whole of our success depends on 
a jrroper choice. We trust you will see it in the same impor- 
tant light with us, and send the delegation above mentioned, 
that every battalion in the Province may have a perfectly equal 
representation — if said conference should unite in some test to 
be taken by the Associators, that we might know who to de- 
pend on, it might be well. We wish to take nothing upon our- 
selves ; but being the advance-guard, our duty requires that we 
give the alarm. 

We are, gentlemen, &c. 
Signed by order of the Committee of Privates. 

SAMUEL SIMPSON, President. 



To the Honorable the Representatives of the Freemen of the 
Province of Pennsylvania, 

The Protest of the Committee of the Privates of the Milita- 
ry Association belonging to the city and liberties of Philadel- 
phia, respectfully Sheweth: 

That this Committee, understanding that the Honorable Con- 

fress has recommended to this Colony to appoint two Briga- 
ier Generals to command the Associators of this Province, do 
Protest against any Appointment of said Brigadier Generals to 
be made by this House : 

First, because there is no regular Militia Law which obli- 
ges the Constituents of this House to become Associators, or to 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 39^ 

tind persons in their room, if they decline associating: And 
therefore the Association is not properly provincial, and of con- 
sequence this House is not properly constituted to be compe- 
tent to the business, nor can the Appointment come before them 
as a Provincial Representation. 

Second. Because many of the Associators have been ex- 
cluded by this very House from voting for the Members now 
composing it, though this House was applied to on their be- 
half: And Therefore they are not represented in this House. 

Third. Because the Counties which have the greatest num- 
ber of Associators have not a proportional Representation, and 
therefore cannot be considered as having an equal voice in the 
nomination. 

Fourth. Because the Association has been voluntary — and 
this House choosing, by their Resolutions respecting it, that it 
should remain so: Therefore cannot interfere, nor in any wise, 
consistent with decency, attempt to impose officers upon us not 
of our own choosing. 

Fifth. Because many members of this House are the Repre- 
sentatives of persons in religious professions like themselves, to- 
tally averse to military defence: And therefore cannot be called 
the Representatives of Associators; nor do we wish to inter- 
fere so much with their religious sentiments as to reduce them 
to the necessity of quitting their seats, or joining in the nomi- 
nation. 

Sixth. Because it is well known that there are men in this 
House who have, ever since our first opposition to Great Bri- 
tain, refused to concur in any measure necessary for defence; 
and we have reason to fear that some are disposed to break the 
Union of the Colonies, and submit to the Tyranny of Great 
Britain. 

Seventh. Because this House is under no oaths of fidelity to 
their constituents, by which they would be bound to consult 
their interest ; nor are they proper persons to make the oaths 
which are to bind themselves. 

Eighth. Because, though the members of this House, who 
were under oaths of Allegiance to the Crown, coi.slder them- 
selves absolved therefrom, and have admitted the new-elected 
members to their seats without taking oaths, thereby dissolving 
the old Constitution, and finally abolishing the charter; — yei 



400 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

effectual care is taken to head the several pages of their re- 
solves, as usual, with " Votes of Assembly, John Perm, Esq., 
Governor^" without the assent of the people for this purpose. 
These things wear such a face of design as renders the inten- 
tions of this House suspicious ; and we think a House still con- 
fessing the King's Representative their Governor, cannot safe- 
ly be trusted with the appointment of Generals to command us, 
lest it might give us such as would enable a certain party to 
make up with the enemy, at the expense of our Lives and 
Liberties. 

JYinth. JBecause a House, which shewed itself so unfriendly 
to the Association at a time when so much depended upon Iheir 
exertions, as after frequent and repeated applications for justice, 
to impose no more than three shillings and six-pence fine on 
non-Associators for every day of general muster, and that in so 
lax a manner, that it is a question whether it will ever be col- 
lected, is not to be trusted with appointment of Generals to 
command us, lest they should shew as little regard to our in- 
terest in the one case as in the other. 

Tenth. Because, as this House was chosen by those only, 
who were acknowledged the liege Subjects of George our ene- 
my, and derived their sole right of electing this House from 
that very circumstance. We conceive that the moment they 
undertook to set aside this allegiance, they by that very act 
destroyed the only principle on which the}^ sat as Representa- 
tives; and therefore are not a House on the principles on which 
they were elected, and having derived no new authority from 
the people freed from such allegiance, they are a Representa- 
tive body on no one principle whatever, and therefore can in no 
manner undertake to do the business of Representatives farther 
than the people indulge them, without usurping authority, and 
acting arbitrarily. 

Eleventh. Because the Associators have the right of appoint- 
ing officers to command them, and mean ever to retain it. 

We therefore protest against, and declare we will not sub- 
mit to any appointment of Geneial officers to command u.^, 
which this House may think proper to go into. 

Nevertheless, that the resolve of Congress may be fully com- 
plied with, we have taken the proper steps to have a number 
of Associators, Representatives from every Battalion in the 
province, collected together as soon as^possible, to proceed to 
the choice of said Brigadier Generals, under whom, we doubt 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 401 

not, but the Associators will serve with cheerfulness, and they 
being the officers of their choice, will have the confidence of 
the Associators. 

Signed by order of the committee of Privates. 

SAMUEL SIMPSON, President. 



List of persons in Middle Ward, in the City of Philadelphia, 
of the age of eighteen years and upwards, who are able and 
willing to bear arms, May 1, 1775. 

Dan'l Clymer, Samuel Eush, Thomas Leonard, RossCurrie, 
Charles Lyon, jr., George Tudor, James Bryson, Will'm 
Huston, Wm. Falconer, Wm. M'Dougall, Nathaniel Parker, 
William Ritchard, Jno. Wigton, Thos. Tisdall, \^'ra. Oliphant, 
Jona'n Adams, Joseph Harper, Wm. Carson, Andrew Carson, 
Tobias Shdham, Ezek'l Getz, Gab"! Valois, Nathaniel Richards, 
John Sparhawk, Thomas Irwin, Wm. SheafF, John Dupuy, 
William Stretch, Robert Smith, Daniel Craig, John Springer, 
A. Kuhn, Charles Simpson, Gust's Risberg, Robert Vallance, 
Joseph Warner, jr., Henry Strenbk, Alex'r Eartrum, James 
Huston, Thomas Palmer, Esmond Leonardnan, Richard Sweat, 
David McFee, Caspar Flesher, '1 homas Logan, Jas. Burnsidc, 
Richard Hunt, Wm. Marshall, Adam Zantzinger, Sam'l Jervis, 
Wm. Thorne, Henry Salor, Tho. M'Kean, 'Phos. Montgome- 
ry, Joseph Vandegriif, James Suiher, John Reynolds, Chris* 
GofFner, John Cobey, William Bombeger, Jacob TrosJer, 
James Harris, Wilhara Rediger, Peter Gosner, John Book, 
Daniel Gosner, Elijah Coffing, Enoch Morrer, Wilham Orr, 
Henry Taylor, Philip Warner, I. Sutter, Joseph Osborne, Jo-^ 
seph Hood, Pat'k Connelly, Chas, Torrence, Adam Clelan, 
Wm. Thompson, Archibald M'Lain, George Lufft, Wollore 
Ming, Rich'd Graham, John Wokel, John Warner, Nathaii 
Jones, Peter Wiltberger, John Handlyn, Sam'l Fletcher, Jo- 
Govell, John Halbarett, Patrick Doddey, Wilham Reed, his 
mark X, Thos. Fisher, Jacob Shober, John Little, John Shea, 
his mark X, Sachevol C. Wood, Bernard Harigan, his mark X, 
George Reinholt, Jeremiah Wilbaron, Benjamin Williamson, 
Andrew Graydon, John Withospoonc, Michael Shoemaker, Jof 
seph Burns, Jacob Prailey, John Koppold, Jacob Gubble, John 
Baker, John Park, William Marshall, Andrew Forrost, Wm. 
McCloster, James Porter, John Davison, Lawrence Seckel, 

34* 



402 HISTORY OF BERKS AKD LEBANON COUNTIES. 

John Bowman, Thomas Power, Franklin Rood, John Shop- 
land, McDonald, And'w Starrett, John Hanna. 



To return to Berks — That the inhabitants of Beiks and Leba- 
non as a body — tories, if any, excepted — were as ardently de- 
voted to the cause of American freedom, and did as much as 
any portion of the Union, is a matter of historical fact, and 
needs not here to be repeated ; nevertheless, a few extracts from 
the Minutes of the Committee of Safety, and other documents, 
letters, &c. are given, to show what was done, as it is believed. 
Avill be read with interest, by those whose fathers took a pari 
in the ever memorable Revolution of '76, in favor of ILl- 
Whigs. 

The extracts are given in detached order, without atttmj)!- 
ing to fill any hiatus. It would occupy too much space to do 
so. 

An order was drawn, Sept. 2, 1776, on John S. Nesbitl, 
Esq., Treasurer, and was directed to pay Mr. Isaac Levan, 
£50, on account of the committee of Berks county, in supply- 
ing the families of poor Associators, who are now in actual 
service, with necessaries to be charged to said committee. 

The committee of Inspection and Observation, of Reading, 
in Berks county, having respresented to the Board the neces- 
sity of keeping a guard in that town. 

Resolved, That the committee of Reading be empowered to 
appoint a small guard in that town, so long as the prisoners* 
of w^ar shall reside there, and the Board will take proper mea- 
sures to defray the expenses attending it. 

So determined were the patriotic soldiers of Berks, not to 
suffer one transgressor or delinquent to escape condign punish- 
raent or being publicly exposed ; as will appear from the fol- 
lowing coramuncation, addressed to the Committee of Berks 
county : 

Philadelphia, 21 Dec, 1776. 
To the Honorable Committee of Berks, at Reading. 
Gentlemen : 

At oux being properly quartered in Mr. Galloway's house in 
* See pages 145, 146, antea. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 40H 

the city, by the Quarter Master General, F k R p, one 

of our men, very imprudently and wickedly broke open a room, 
wherein were some valuable effects, which were the property, 
as is supposed, of said Galloway, and took off with him some 
loaf sugar, lawn, a diaper, table cloth, &c., and immediately 
deserted his company. These are, therefore, to request you'll 

take proper steps to secure said R p, so that he may be 

brought to trial, for said offence, which is by no means coun- 
tenanced by any of the oflicers — as we are likely to be greatly 
disgraced by such depredations or unwarrantable proceedings. 

H y M r and B r II e, have also deserted — 

whom, we expect, may be secured and made a public example 
of, otherwise, we are determined never to serve longer in the 
cause. There is still remaining at home, numbers of others, 
belonging to the militia, well known to you all, enjoying their 
ease and pleasure, all of whom we request, you would, lor the 
honor of Berks, order them to join us at the camp, to which 
place, we march to-morrow; otherwise, we will earnestly re- 
quest, they may be published to the world, as enemies to their 
country — and we shall deem them as such. 
We are, with great respect. 

Gentlemen, your well wishers 
and humble servants, 

John Mears, Adj't, 
George Will, 
John Diehl, 
John Witman, 
Daniel Rose, 
John Kidd, 
Philip Kremer. 



404 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 



ExtJ^act — Letter sent by Express. 

Chester, 14th December, 1776. 
James Read, Esq. — Dear Sir: 

The Honorable Continental Congress having directed me to 
visit the Associators of the several counties of this State, and 
to endeavor, with the aid of several gentlemen of the Assem- 
bly, and of the freemen at large, to stimulate and encourage 
them to set forth, ac this critical' time, to the support of their 
country, I request the favor of you to convene the committee 
of your count}', and to inform that we propose to meet the of- 
ficers and Assooiators of the several battalions in your county, 
at the town of Reading, on Wednesday next, at 10 o'clock in 
the morning. 

We depend much on the zeal and activity of yourself, and 
the other gentlemen of the committee, and trust that the ap- 
pearance of your inhabitants on that day, will do honor to^ 
themselves and their country. 

I have the honor to be your 

Obedient Servant, 
THOMAS MIFFLIN, Brig. Gen. 

I am directed to pay the expense of Expresses, &c., which 
may be necessary to convene the inhabitants, which I will most 
cheerfully do. T. M. 

December 31, 1776 ; an order was drawn on Mr. John M. 
Nesbitt, for $2000, payable to John Riddle, jr., to be pid by 
him into the hands of Andrew Whitman, of Reading, to be 
subject to the drafts of the committee of said county, for to de- 
fray such expenses as they have incurred, by order of this 
Board. — Minutes Com. Safety., iii, 3. 

January 12, 1777 ; in council of safety, orders were given Xo 
Col. Morgan to have the second Battalion of militia in 
Berks county, which he is to command, to make all necessary 
preparations, and hold themselves in readiness to march on the 
shortest notice, and wait until further orders from the Board — 
.Min. Com. Saf., iii, 29. 

January 17, 1777; Captain Bickham was directed to pay 
Col. Henry Geiger, £89, 4s. od., for charges of apprehending 
and bringing to Reading jail the following persons, who are 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, 405 

suspected of being tories, to whose account this sum is to be 

charged, viz: W -m T s, P p M r, M 1 

O d, C r B f, M 1 B k, n y S r, 

J b O t.—Min. Com. Saf. 

January 18, 1777 ; Whereas this council is informed that 
many of the principal x'Vssociators of Col. Hunter's Battalion of 
Berks county, refused to march to join General Washington's 
array, at this important crisis, when so glorious an opportunity 
offers of crushing the enemy, and thereby have prevented and 
discouraged the rest, and proceeded even to dare them to en- 
force the Resolve of this council upon them. 

Therefore, resolved, That Col. Hunter be directed forthwith 
to collect all the well affected in his Battalion, and to sieze 
upon the ringleaders, in this defection, and send them under 
guard to Philadelphia ; and that he do execute the resolve of 
this council, of Dec. 7th, last, upon all who refuse to marcli, 
without flivor or affection; and that they do collect blankets 
and other necessaries, for the use of those who are to march, 
paying a reasonable price for the same; and should any person 
refuse to deliver such necessaries as they can spare, the Col. is 
directed to take any pay for the same. Those that turn out to 
march the most direct road to head quarters. — Min. Com. 
Saf., iii, 40. 

The following notice was then served upon John Schuty and 
John Blattner, by John Fry, 

Reading, January 22d, 1777. 
Sir — The committee at Reading, do order that you attend 
there on Saturday next, the twenty-fifth day of this instant, 
January, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, to give them informa- 
tion of such things as you know, relative to any person or per- 
sons discouraging the march of any part of the militia, hereof 
fail not. 

By Order of the Committee. 

James Read, Chairman. 

January 27, 1777, Captain Bickham v>as directed to pay to 
Captain Furry, £50, and to Captain Flederick, £62, 16, ior 
subsistence money of their two companies, belonging to the 



lOfi HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Third battalion of militia of Berks county — to be charged to 
Congress. 

November Stb, 1777 — In council of safety, ordered that the 
persons herinafter named, in the respective counties, be author- 
ized and required to collect, without delay, from such of the 
inhabitants of the said respective counties, as have not taken, 
the oath of allegiance or abjuration, or who have aided or as- 
sisted the enemy, by arms and accoutrements, blankets, wool- 
len and linsey-woolsey, shoes and stockings, for the army — 
that they approve the same, when taken, according to the qua-. 
Yity, &c., &c. 

The committee appointed, on this occasion, for Berks coun- 
ty, the following named gentlemen: 

Henry Christ, 
Henry Haller, 
Thomas Parry, 
' Daniel Utree, 

Philip Millar, 
Nathan Lewis, 
John Laner, 
Godfried Ream, 
Jacob Seltzer, 
Nicholas Shaffer, 
Minutes of Committee of Safety, Vol. III. 



C H A P T E 11 YL 



EDUCATION 



William Penn, the founck-r of the colony of Pennsyh^ania, 
whom Montesquieu denominates the modern Lycurgus, seems 
to have well known that a sound education was indispensable 
among all classes to secure, enjoy, and perpetuate the blessings 
of civil and religious liberty. 

A few extracts from his writings are here presented on this 
subject. 

"Nothing weakens kingdoms like vice ; it does not only dis- 
please Heaven, but disable them;" — "It is our interest to be 
good, and it is none of the least arguments for religion, that 
the piety and practice of it is the peace and prosperity of go- 
vernment ; and consequently that vice, the enemy of religion, is, 
at the same time, the enemy of human society. What, then, 
should be more concerned for the preservation of virtue, than 
government? that, in its abstract, and true sense is not only 
founded upon virtue, but without the preservation of virtue, it 
is impossible to maintain the best constitution, that can be 
made. And, however some particular men may prosper that 
are wicked, and some private good men miscarry, in the things 
of this world, in which sense, things may be said to happen 
alike to all, to the righteous as to the wicked, yet I dare boldly 
affirm, and challenge any man to the truth thereof; that, in the 



408 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

many volumes of the history of all ages and kingdoms of the 
world, there is not one instance to be found, where the hand of 
God was against a righteous nationj or when the hand of God 
was not against an unrighteous nation^ first or last; nor wherr 
a just government perished, nor an unjust government long- 
prospered. Kingdoms are rarely so short lived as men; yet 
they also have a time to die; but as temperance giveth health 
to men, so virtue gives time to kingdoms; and as vice brings 
men betimes to their graves, so nations to their ruin. 

Respecting modes of government, the memorable founder of 
that of Pennsylvania declares, — " There is hardly one frame of 
government in the world, so ill designed by its first founder, 
that, in good hands would not do well enough ; and history 
tells us, the best, in ill ones, can do nothing, that is great or 
good; witness, the Jewish and the Roman states. GovernmentSj 
like clocks, go from the motion, which men give them; and as 
governments are made and moved by men, so by them are they 
ruined too: wherefore governments rather depend upon menj 
than men upon governments. Let men be good and the go- 
vernment cannot be bad; if it be ill they will cure it: but if 
men be bad, let the government be never so good, they will 
endeavor to warp and spoil it to their turn." — "That, there- 
fore, which makes a good constitution, must keep it, viz : men 
of wisdom and virtue; qualities, that, because they descend 
not with wordly inheritances, must be carefully propagated 
by a virtuous education of youth; for which after ages will 
owe more to the care and prudence of founders, and the suc- 
cessive magistracy, than to their parents^ for their private pa- 
trimonies." 

" I would think (says he in another place) that there are but 
few people so vicious, as to care to see their children so; and 
yet to me it seems a plain case, that, as we leave the govern- 
ment, they will find it : if some effectual course be not taken, 
what with neglect, and what with example, impiety and the 
miseries that follow it, will be entailed upon our children. Cer- 
tainly it were better the world ended with us, than that w<- 
should transmit our vices, or sow those evil seeds, in our day, 
that will ripen to their ruin, and fill our country with miseries, 
after we are gone; thereby exposing it to the curse of God, 
and violence of our neighbors. But it is an infelicity we ought 
to bewail, that men are apt to prefer the base pleasures of their 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 409 

present extravagances to all endeavors after a future benefit; 
for, besides the guilt, they draw down upon themselves, our 
poor posterity must be greatly injured thereby ; who will find 
those debts and incumbrances harder to pay than all the rest, 
we can leave them under." 

"Upon the whole matter (continues he) I take the freedom 
to say, that, if we would preserve our government, we must 
endear it to the people. To do this, besides the necessity of 
present, just and wise things, we must secure the youth: this 
is not to be done, but by the amendment of the way of their edu- 
cation; and that with all convenient speed and diligence. I 
say, the government is highly obliged : it is a sort of trustee for 
the youth of the kingdom; who, though now minors, yet will 
have the government when we are gone. Therefore depress 
vice, and cherish virtue: that through good education, they 
may become good ; which v/ill truly render them happy in this 
world, and a good way fitted for that which is to come. If 
this be done, they will owe more to your memories for their 
education, than for their estates." 

Especially does the permanency of all Republics, depend 
upon the enlightenment of the people. As education is therefore 
encouraged or neglected, so will their foundations be sure and 
stable, or loose and unsettled ; and it is difficult to say, whether 
in their moral relations or political privileges, this truth is most 
self-evident. The certainty, stability ancl perpetuity of a re- 
publican government, with all its vast machinery of offices and 
officers, such as the efficient administration of the government 
by the Executive, the judicious and wholesome exercise of its 
powers by the Legislature, the prompt and energetic adminis- 
tration of justice by faithful Judges, and above all, the just de- 
termination of the rights of parties by impartial Jurors, must 
depend alone upon the people. There is no other foundation 
upon which the structure can rest. This constitutes its chief 
excellence, its greatest strength. 

In a government then such as ours, based as it is upon ac- 
knowledged democratic principles, in the theory and practice 
of which, it is admitted that the people are the source of all 
power, making and unmaking at stated intervals all their func- 
tionaries, from the chief magistrate of the nation, down to the 
humblest officer created by a Borough charter, the necessity of 
35 



410 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

having that same people educated, will not for a moment be 
questioned. For, as they are enlightened or unenlightened so 
will their government be elevated in character, or depressed in 
a corresponding degree. Called upon as they are, to the fre- 
quent exercise of the elective franchise, and thus necessarily to 
judge of liaen and measures, their course of action must be de- 
termined, either by each man's own personal examination into 
the character of the one, and a careful investigation into the 
propriety or expediency of the other, or else it must be sugges- 
ted, and fixed by the advice and opinions of others. And what 
a prolific source of abnse is this. It is seldom indeed that such 
advice is honest, for the most part, it is the gratuitous offering 
of interested men. How shall all those whose minds are ob- 
scured by the clouds of ignorance, be capable of discriminating 
between the correctness and incorrectness of questions of pub- 
lic policy? How shall they judge between the patriot and the 
ambitious, self-aggrandizing demagogue? Are they competent 
to arrive at a proper decision of the various complicated ques- 
tions, necessarily arising for their determination, and by a re- 
ference to which, their choice, is to be regulated in the selec- 
tion of officers and representatives? Let the people be educa- 
ted, and thus each individual will be rightly impressed with the 
important truth, that his own interests are identified with those 
of the State. For no government is so free as that which is 
upheld by the affections of the people, and no community so 
happy as that in which the youth, by proper education, are dis- 
ciplined to the exercise of all those moral virtues that ermoble 
human nature. 

So thought and so acted, almost all of the early settlers of 
nearly every state in the Union. Although Colonists it is true, 
and perhaps entertaining not even the most remote idea of a 
separate existence, at any period of time, as a nation, they were 
in their Colonial government, if not essentially, at least par- 
tially democratic. Returning by a popular vote, their own 
Representatives, and — with the exception of their Governors — 
the greater part of all their prominent officers, they felt the ne- 
cessity of so ehghtening this first great power, that at a very 
early day, schools and institutions of learning were established 
and founded by voluntary contributions among them. Such is 
the history of the Puritans of New England, the Roman Catho- 
lics of Maryland, the Quakers of Pennsylvania and the Hugue- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 411 

liots of the Carolinas. True, their first efforts in this respect 
were feeble. The country was new, and surrounded as the in- 
habitants were by savage foes, the first elements of education 
which the children obtained, were communicated by the pa- 
rents themselves, in the midst of dangers and imexampled hard- 
ships. By degrees, however, as the different settlements in- 
creased in number and strength, schools were established for 
the instruction of the children, in the ordinary branches of the 
education of the country from whence the parents had emigra- 
ted: and as in time, wealth began to flow in upon the Colonists, 
schools, academies and colleges came to be endowed, either by 
individual liberality or legislative munificence. Truly the good 
seed sown thus early by the settlers, has yielded abundantly, 
"some thirty, some sixty, and some an hundred fold." 

In general terms and fewer words, we have thus described 
the progressive history of the education of almost every com- 
munity in the United States. In some parts we admit, the ad- 
vance has been accelerated more perhaps by the comparative 
extent of the information of the first emigrants and diminished 
number of obstacles encountered by them in subduing the coun- 
try, than from any other cause. Under ordinary circumstances, 
this might therefore suffice for the object to which the present 
chapter is devoted ; but as it is intended to present to the reader 
a detailed account of all matters of sufficient importance, and 
worthy of being embodied in a work of this kind, it is our duty 
as a faithful historian, to enter into details. 

Schools were for many years, except a few among, the Friends 
and Welsh settlers, exclusively under the control of German 
teachers. Many of the first German settlers in Berks and 
Lebanon, brought with them their school masters and ministers. 
The former in many instances, in the absence of the latter, offi- 
ciated in a two-fold capacity, as school master and preacher. — 
Of this number were J. C. Wirtz, at Sacany, and Casper Leut- 
becker, at Tulpehocken. Rev. Muhlenberg, speaking of 
him says, "Nach einiger Zeit kam ein Mann mit Namen, Cas- 
per Leutbecker, seiner Profession nach ein Schneider, nach 
Tulpehocken (1745) setzte das Vorlesen in der Kirche fort, 
hielt Schule und Catichesirte."* 

Common schools were very few in number in Berks and Le-j 
* Hall. Nach., 249. 



412 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

banon, till 1750 or 1751. Some townships had none "In 
Oley," says Muhlenberg, "1748, sind Schulen sehr entfernt.'' 

No systematic efforts were made to improve the schools 
among the Germans, in Pennsylvania, till after 1751, when on 
the representation of the Rev. Michael Schlatter, who had 
been some time in Pennsylvania, to the churches of Holland. 
A scheme was started by a society of noblemen of Europe, for 
the instruction of Germans and their descendants, in Pennsyl- 
vania. These foreign gentlemen "were truly concerned to find 
that any of their fellow subjects, in part of the British domin- 
ions, were not fully provided with the means of knowledge and 
salvation. They considered it a matter of the greatest impor- 
tance to the cause of Christianity in general, and the protes- 
tant interest in particular, not to neglect such a vast body of 
useful people, situated in a dark barren region, with almost 
none to instruct them, or their helpless children, who are com- 
ing forth in multitudes, and exposed an easy prey to the total 
ignorance of their savage neighbors on the one hand, and the cor- 
ruption of their Jesuitical enemies, on whom they bordered, on 
the other hand; and of whom there were always, perhaps, too 
many mixed among them. Moved by these inteiesting con- 
siderations, these noblemen and others, did accordingly take the 
good design into their immediate protection, and formed them- 
selves into a society for the effectual management of carrying 
out the scheme of instructing the Germans.* 

Schools were subsequently organized at Reading, Tulpe- 
hocken, &c., under the direction of the Rev. Michael Schlatt- 
er, as Visitor or Supervisor General of the schools; but met 
with little or no success, at least not commensurate with the 
importance of the enterprize. The designing — these are always 
to be found — persuaded the more ignorant, that it was a scheme 
gotten up to enslave them! The scheme for, and its effects 
upon those whom it was intended to benefit, evanesced. The 
consequence was, that schools were still few till about the time 
when the Lutheran and German Reformed congregations were 
more permanently organized, through the efforts of the Rev'ds 
Muhlenberg, Schlatter, and their coadjutors. 

At no part of this History better than the present, can it 
with greater propriety be observed, that almost co-existent 
with the establishment of the first Lutheran churches in Ger^ 
* See pages antea, P9, 109, where the schejne is given in detail. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 413 

many and of the Reformed churches in Switzerland and Hol- 
land, there sprang up a custom among their members, peculiar 
to themselves. Each congregation was regarded as a spiritual 
municipal corporation, and among other duties performed by 
those having its control or government, in order that " the 
word might not perish for lack of knowledge among the peo- 
ple," they employed a competent teacher, to instruct the youth 
of both sexes, without any regard whatever to the wealth or 
standing of the parents in society. Generally each church was 
supplied with an organ — indeed this instrument was regarded 
as indispensable to the proper worship of the Almighty, and. 
the person employed to perform upon it during divine service, 
was required to unite with his skill and knowledge as a musi- 
cian, the profession of a school teacher. He usually received 
a stated salary, and was furnished with accommodations for 
his school, himself and family, at the common cost of the 
congregation. In return for this, and in addition to his duty as 
an organist — as has been shown — he was required to teach the 
children of the congregation upon such terms as the vestry 
might from time to time determine. The sum thus fixed, was 
paid to him by the parents of such of the children, asw-ereable 
to afford it, while the children of those who were in indigent 
circumstances, were taught the same branches without charge 
and in consideration of the salary paid by the congregation. 
This mode of educating their own poor, by a system as simple, 
was regarded as a rehgious duty. It was so taught from gen- 
eration to generation, through successive years. And when the 
Lutheran and German Reformed churches were thoroughly or- 
ganized and provided with settled pastors, they also had better 
qualified teachers, and schools regularly taught. 

It w^as the unceasing effort of both the Revds. Muhlenberg, 
Schlatter, and their coadjutors, to establish schools in con- 
nection with churches. All great reformers appreciated, and 
will ever appreciate the importance of schools. Luther — the 
immortal Luther — when speaking of schools and schoolmasters, 
used the following emphatic language: — 

Die Schulen sind kleine, doch sehr nuetzliche Concilien und 
die edelsten Kleinode der Kirche; und die Lehre derselben ein 
koestliches Amt und Werk. Ich wollte dass keiner zu einem 
Prediger erwaehlt wuerde, er haette sich denn Schon mit dem 

35* 



414 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Unterricht der Kinder beschaeftiget. Wer dem Teiifel in sei- 
nem Reiche einen Schaden zufuegen will, der ihn recht beisse. 
der mache sich an die Jugend und Kinder, und suche bey 
ihnen einen Grund zu legen, der fuer und fuer bleibe. 

In the same light, schools should be ever regarded as the 
nurseries of virtue and piety. It is stated, however, with re- 
gret, that the citizens of Eerks and Lebanon counties had, for 
some years, lost sight of these nuetzliche Concilien, in bestow- 
ing that fostering care upon them, so generally, as their im- 
portance demands ; nevertheless, some attention was given to 
this subject at a comparatively early date, in the effort of esta- 
blishing schools of advanced standing, in some sections of these 
counties. An academy w^as started at Reading, in 1778, but 
owing to a want of proper management and sufficient patronage, 
it was suspended till 1836 — but subsequently revived, and sus- 
tains at present, a deservedly high character. The course ot 
instruction is extensive, embracing the ancient and modern lan- 
guages, mathematics, and the other branches usually taught in 
in academies and high schools. 

A Female Seminary, located in Reading, w^as incorporated 
in the spring of 1838. This school, some private ones, and 
the public schoolsin the borough, sustain a very fair reputa- 
tion. 

At Wommelsdorf and Kutztown, are academies of advanced 
standing. These academies and seminaries, exert a wholesome 
influence upon a certain portion of community, and it is hoped 
their influence will be, before long, generally felt in the coun- 
ty, in liberalizing the views of those hitherto opposed to a ge- 
neral and advanced system of education. At present, but few 
of the districts of Berks county have accepted the provisions 
of the law in 1835. " In many instances," says Trego, "there 
has been much opposition in collecting the school taxes, build- 
ing school houses, and making any improvements involving 
cost. The want of good teachers has been felt here, as in 
many other parts of the State; but it is believed that there is 
a general improvement in the schools as well as in the disposi- 
tion of the public mind on this subject." 

The state of education in Lebanon county, is nearly the same 
as that in Berks. There are three academies in this county, 
viz: at Lebanon, Myerstow^n, and Millerstown; all, except the 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 415 

last named, are in successful operation. Many gentlemen are 
to be found, in both counties, ardently devoted to the cause of 
education, exerting themselves in behalf of academies, semina- 
ries, and common schools. These schools are the sure defences 
of our country. The patriot and the christian have reason to 
rejoice at the prospect of the ultimate, general adoption of the 
common school system — all should exert themselves with much 
anxiety, to aid in introducing the system, and supplying schools 
with well qualified teachers. Who even does not know that 
much depends upon teachers, to speed the labors of our legis- 
lators, magistrates, and the minister of the gospel. The teach- 
ers must be virtuous and intelligent, to make intelligent and 
useful scholars, or to aid the cause of intelhgence ; for without 
intelligence, on which the minister of the gospel, the legislator 
and magistrate, can act, and principle, cultivated in childhood, 
and matured in riper age, they will all act in vain. They may 
as well endeavor to remove mountains, as to attempt to accom- 
plish much and prominent good vathout them. For, without 
these two — virtue and intelligence — it is truly said : " The Le- 
gislator, the Magistrate, and the Minister, will descend into 
the same gulf of ignorance and corruption." 

Sabbath Schools — great auxiharies in diffusing useful and 
indispensable knowledge among the junior portion of society — 
are fast gaining ground. Nearly all religious denominations 
foster them. 



CHAPTER VIL 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY 



lu this chapter, brief sketches are presented, of the different 
rehgious denominations that existed, and are still found, in this 
part of Pennsylvania. It is not consistent with the limits of 
this compilation, to notice the doctrines of each, or to trace the 
origin of all. Those who wish more extensive information on 
the origin, rise, progress, doctrines and statistics of the religious 
denominations noticed here, and of all the sects in the United 
States, are referred to the writer's work, entitled " He Pasa 
Ekklesia, &c." published by Mr. James Y. Humphreys, Phila- 
delphia, 1844. 

If differences of opinion touching dogmas of religion and 
multiplicity of sects, serve as a standard of deep toned piety 
and Christian benevolence — charity in the true sense of the 
Gospel, then may the people of Berks and Lebanon lay some 
claim to a share of it — and it is undoubtedly true, they have 
claims of the kind — for the diversity of opinion, and sects or 
denominations, are not a few in Berks and Lebanon, as will be 
seen from the following brief and imperfect notices. 

For the want of the promised materials, so kindly proffered 
by those on whom we called, or whom we addressed, the no- 
tices are brief and imperfect. They are made up of "frag- 
mentary rubbish,^' furnished, or gleaned at a late hour. Had 
these been furnished at an earlier date, though mere fragments, 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 417 

the writer could, if the reader will believe him, have rendered 
these sketches more worthy of his notice. 



DIE NEUGEBOHRENE, OR THE NEW BORN. 

A sect that assumed the appellation, JVeio Born, existed 
about the year 1717 or 1719, in Oley, headed afterwards by 
one Bowman. Their peculiar tenets can only be gathered 
from detached fragments: a few of them are in the possession of 
the writer. From these it appears this sect existed for a pe- 
riod of some thirty or forty years. 

The existence of this sect has been noticed in another part 
of this book — pages 233, 236. 

John Peter Miller, contemporary with Bowman, speaking 
of this sect, says: — "Damals, Zwischen 1717 — 1721 entstand 
ein Volk in der Gegend Oly die man Ncugebohrne nanntc, und 
einer Matthies Bauman zum Anfaenger hattcn. Ihr Vorgeben 
war, dass sie nicht mehr koenten suendigen, in einer in 
Deutschland gedruckten Schrift, genant, " Ruf an die Unvried- 
ergebohrne Welt, klingt es ..wunderlich, wan Bauman sagt, 
Pagina 13," Die Menschen sagen: Christus habe die Suende 
hinweg genomraen, es ist war bey mir, wer sich also beiindet, 
dass er also ist wie Adam vor dem Fall, als wie ich bin." Da, 
says Miller, setzt er sich neben Adam vor seinem Fall. 

Und Pagina 17, machet er noch einen aergern Sprung, wann 
er sagt: "Wie Adam vor clem Fall war, sa bin ich gemacht, 
und noch fester." Was aber die Menschen am meisten aer- 
gert, war, was er Pagina 12 sagt: "Mit dem Leib kann Man 
nicht suendigen vor Gott, Sondern nur vor Menschen und andern 
Creaturen, und die kann der Richter schlichten." Daraus sie 
gefaehrliche Folgen zogen. 

Sie ruehmten sich, zu seyn nur von Gott gesandt, um die 
Menschen irr zu machen, welches sie auch innerhalb zehn Jah- 
ren (1725 — 1734) fleissig getrieben; also dass man oft zu 
Mark-Zeit ihre Disputationen in Philadelphia mit Verwunder- 
ung hat koennen anhoeren, da auch Bauman sich einst erbotten, 
er wollte zum Beweiss, dass seine Lehre von Gott sey, durch 
den Delaware Strohm gehen. 

^ Col. Rec. 319— page antea, 233. 



418 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Bey ihrem Reissen durch Conestoga, allwo sie Eingang bin 
und wieder fanden, kamen sie endlich auch zum Vorsteher 
(Conrad Beissel zu Ephrata) und da brachte sich Bauman v^e-^ 
gen der Wiedergeburt an. Der Vorsteber gab ibm kurtzen 
Bescbeid, und sagte: Er sollte an seinem Unflat riecben, und 
betracbten ob dieses zur Wiedergeburt geboere ; darauf sie ei- 
nen spitzigen Geist nannten und davon giengen. Man hat 
wargenommen, dass von derselben zeit an sie Xraft verlohren, 
ihre Verfuebrung weiter aus zu breiten : und ist mit den Urstae- 
ndern endlicb abgestorben. Gedacbter Bauman ist urns Jabr 
1727, gestorben ; er soil sonst ein redlicber Mann gewesen seyn. 
und die Welt nicbt ueber die Gebuebr gesucht baben, aber 
Kuehlenwein,* Yotter, und andere senier Nacbfolger waren in 
dera Weltlicben unersaetlich. 

Dieser Mattheis Bauman war ein armer Tagloebner, aus der 
Stadt Lamsheim, in Churpfaltz. Im Jabr 1701 ist er mit einer 
barten Krankheit beimgesucht worden, da er in den Himmel 
verzuckt" wurde, und Oflenbabrungen an die Menscben em- 
plieng. Als er wieder zu sich selbst kam rief er bey einer 
Stunde lang aus : "O ! ihr Menscben ! ! bekehret euch 1 1 1 der 
juengste Tag kommtlll!" Er fielabermal in Verzuckung, und 
da wurde zu ihm gesagt: "Die Menscben meinen, sie leben bey 
Tage ; sie sind aber alle verkebrt bey der Nacht ! !" 

Diese Verzuckungen baben vierzehn Tage angehalten, dar- 
unter die letzte vier und zwanzig Stunde gewaehrt, dass man 
auch meinte er waere gestorben, und Anstalt zu seinem Be- 
graebniss machen liess. Als er wieder zu sich selbst kam, gieng 
er zum Prediger, und sagte ihm: "Gott babe ihn wieder in die- 
se Welt gesandt, den INdjenscben zu sagen, dass sie sich sollten 
bekehren." Ber Prediger aber, welcher meinte, er waere im 
Kopf verrueckt, suchte durch ein Weltbuch ihm die Grillen zu 
vertreiben. — Chron. Ephra. page 128 — 130. 

They maintained they were impeccable, or that they had 
attained to a state of sinlessness. They were in their own es- 
timation, 'perfect! 

This is dogmatically asserted by one of them, a female in a 
letter, dated Oley, May 14, 171S, to a friend of hers in Ger- 
many. 

"I will apprise you of my present condition. I am in a bet- 

* See page 233, 34, where the original is given. 



mSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBAHON COUNTIES. 419 

ter state than I was while with you (in Gerfnany). Here God 
has absolved me from all sin — I can sin no more ; for which I 
now praise, and shall ever laud his name." 

"Teachers and hearers, none of them are christians, for they 
are sinners; but Christ came to destroy sin. He that is not 
absolved from all sin, for him Christ has not appeared in this 
world. All teachers, in the whole world, not freed from sin, 
and not in an impeccable state, are false teachers, be they pious 
or impious. In the kingdom of Christ, none but Christ prevails. 
He that has not him is none of his ; and where he is, there man 
is set free from sin." 

Under date of June 10, 1747, the Revd. Muhlenberg says: 
"I started from New Hanover, and eight miles from here, called 
to see an aged person of the so called JVew Born, who had 
married a widow woman some twenty years ago, with whom 
he had five children, &c., &c. The old gentleman says he was 
new born in the Palatinate. But the evidences of his being 
new born, are simply these: According to his own oft repeated 
declaration, that he has seceded from the Reformed Church, 
and denounced the sacraments — and having refused to take the 
oath of fealty to the then ruUng elector, he, with others, was 
brought before the consistory and imprisoned ; and according to 
his own notion, had suffered on account of Christ and the truth. 
He will not hsten to any rational counsel — rejecting all reveal- 
ed truth — nor will he su(Fer himself to be taught, because he is 
of a weak understanding — obstinately selfish, and a man of vi- 
olent passions. 

"After he had arrived in this country, he united with the so 
called New Born. They feign having received the new birth 
through mediate inspiration, apparitions, dreams, and the like. 
When one is thus regenerated, he fancies himself to be God and 
Christ himself, and cannot, henceforth, sin no more. Hence 
they do not use the word of God as a means of salvation. They 
■scoff at the holy sacraments.* 

* Hallisch Nachrichten, p. 227. 



420 Hisf ORY OP BERKS AJJD LEBANOJf COtJNTItS. 



THE SWEDES. 

The Swedes, who first settled within the limits of the pro- 
vince of Pennsylvania, as early as 1638, and within the bounds 
of Berks county, prior to 1700, had, undoubtedly, erected a 
church at Molatton, near Douglassville, about the year 1720 
or 21. They were a "God-fearing and just people," and were 
the first to build sanctuaries, and by liberal donations, to estab- 
lish permanent funds for the support of the ministry in other 
parts of the country. They had a church at Tinnecum Island 
prior to 1675, as is evident from the following: — 

"At a special court, held at New Castle, in Delaware river, 
the 13th and 14th days of May, 1675, it was ordered that the 
church, or place of worship, be regulated by the court here, in 
as orderly and decent a manner as may. That the place for 
meeting at Craine Hoeck (opposite Wilmington) do continue as 
heretofore — that the church at Tinnecum Island do serve for 
Uppland, and parts adjacent. 

" And whereas there is no church or place of worship higher 
up the river than the said Island, for the greater ease and con- 
venience of the inhabitants there. It's ordered, that the magis- 
trates of Uppland do cause a church or place of meeting to be 
built at Wickegkoo,* the which to be for the inhabitants of 
Passayunk, and so upwards. The said court being empov.'- 
ered to raise a tax for its building, and to agree for a compe- 
tent fund for their minister: of all which they are to give an 
account to the next general court, and they to the governor for 
his approbation." Signed 

E. ANDROSS." 

The following extracts from the "Annals of the Swedes," 
by the Rev. J. C. Clay, go to show, that they were anxious to 
have the gospel preached in their new settlements, in the direc- 
tion of Molatton. 

"In 1705, the 'upper inhabitants' — meaning, I suppose, those 
at Upper Marion, or perhaps up the Delaware, towards Bris- 
tol — made application for occasional services in their neighbor- 
hood, in the winter season, because of their distance from 

* Wickegkoo is Wiccacce, above the Navy Yard, Philadelphia Rev. 
Foot's Address, pa. 17. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 421 

church. It was agreed that the rector should officiate twice 
<luring the winter season. 

"About the year 1720, the Rev. Samuel Hesselius settled 
among the Swedes, in the lower part of Berks. This appears 
!'rora the following, from the same author, Rev. Clay. 

" 1720 — A meeting was held on the 27th of March, for the 
transaction of business, at which four clergymen were present: 
the Rev. Provost Andrew Hesselius, the Rev. Mr. Lidenius, of 
Racoon and Penn's Neck, and the Rev. Moses Lidman and 
Samuel Hesselius. The Provost proposed that the last named 
clergyman should take charge of those portions of the congre- 
gation residing at Kalkonhook and Neshamani. This was ob- 
jected to by the lay members present, upon the ground that the 
Swedes living in those places might become weaned from the 
mother church at Wicaco. 

"It being understood that one clergyman was competent to 
the duties at Wicaco, it was then proposed by Lidman, that as 
the people at Manatting — supposed to be MoUaton, four miles 
above Pottsgrove, on the Schuylkill — were a great distance 
from the church, they, perhaps, would be glad of his services 
there, and that he would cheerfully relinquish to him so much 
of the salary as was furnished by that part of the congregation. 
Marcus Hulings, and other respectable inhabitants of that part 
of the country, then present, earnestly seconded this proposi- 
tion, promising to contribute to the extent of their means, to- 
wards his support. It was accordingly arranged that the Rev. 
Samuel Hesselius should settle at Manatting." 

From all these it may be fairly inferred, that a congregation 
was organized at an early date, in the southern part of Berks 
county. 

Molatton, for years afterward, and to this date, is an Episco- 
pal church. The Rev. Muhlenberg, mentioned in the sequel, 
preached statedly here. 



36 



422 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES- 



THE QUAKERS. 

The Friends, or Quakers, were next to the Swedes in preach 
Ing the gospel within the borders of Berks. Two of them. 
Anthony Lee and George Boone, settled in the interior of this 
county, about the year 1716 — 1718, and were soon followed 
by others, and without doubt, were visited by their minister? 
or preachers. They, had many self-denying men at that early 
date, who not only visited their brethren, but preached the gos- 
pel to the tawny sons of the forest. Thomas Chalkley, who 
cams from England in 1701, was of that class; as early as 1705. 
he visited the Indians living near Susquehannah, at Conestoga. 
ani preached the Gospel of Christ freely to them. 

Some of their most eminent ministers in the county of Berks 
were, Samuel Hugh, Ellis Hugh, Job Hugh, Enos Ellis, Abel 
Thomas, Moses Euibree, James Iddings, Amos Lee, Peter 
Thomis, Judah Thomas. The Friends were very numerous be- 
tween the year 1750 and 1780; their number, at the period al- 
luded to, was rising of two thousand in the county; owing, 
however, to the vast emigration to the western states, their 
numbsr does not, at present, exceed two hundred members. — 
They have three or four meeting houses in the county; besides 
the one in the borough of Reading, which was originally built 
in 1751, and pulled down in 1766, and in its place the present 
one story log house, built on Washington street. 

The Friends, though not patrons of a classically educated 
ministry, have always been the supporters of good schools. — 
They have contributed much towards improving society. — 
They are the friends of Peace and Universal Liberty, and of 
unfettered tolerance. No where in the annals of history, can 
the fino^er be pointed to this or the like sentence, as applicable 
to the Quakers — "They persecuted others for opinion's sake." 
This dark stain is not in their drab coats — it would show if it 
were. 



HISTORY OF BERKS Al^D LEBANON COUNTIES. 423 



THE MENNONITES. 

The Mennonites having settled about the year 1722 to '24, 
in the Southern part of Lebanon county, had meeting houses 
for public worship among their brethren, who were very nu- 
merous for many years. 

In Europe, they had been sorely persecuted, and on the in- 
vitation of the liberal minded William Penn, they transported 
themselves and familes, into the province of Pennsylvania, as 
early as L683. Those who came in that year, and in 1698, 
settled in and about Germantown. In 1709, other fami- 
lies of them arrived and commenced settlements in Lancaster 
county, in Pequea valley ; these were the Herrs, Meylins, Ken- 
digs, and others. They were soon followed by others in 1711, 
1717, 1727 — of these last, many settled in the more northern 
parts of Lancaster county, within the limits of Lebanon county. 

Among their first preachers in America were, John Gorgas, 
John Conerads, Clas Rittinghausen, the grandfather of the cele- 
brated David Rittenhouse, Jacob Gaedtschleck, Henry Kolb, 
Claes Jansen, Michael Zigler, Hans Eurgholtzer, Hans Herr, 
Christian Herr, Benedict Hirschi, Martin Bear, Johannes Bow- 
man, Velte Cleiner, Daniel Langenecker, Jacob Beghtly Ulrich 
Breckbill, Hans Tschantz — all these were ministers prior to 
1735. 

They continued to increase till about the year 1790 — '92, 
when a certain Martin Boehm, John Neidig, ministers, and 
many lay members, seceded from them, and afterwards connected 
themselves witlx the United Brethren in Christ, since when 
their number has diminished in Lebanon county. They still 
have a number of meeting houses in this county. 

The Mennonites, in this county, as is well known, have been 
fur the last forty years on the decline; but the indications at 
present seem rather more favorable to again resuscitate the doc- 
trines, at least, among a portion of them,* which their ances- 
tors so strenuously advocated. 

The Mennonites never wasted money in rearing stately 
houses, in which to dispense the word of life, or in erecting mas- 
sive college edifices, in which to impart useful knowleege, nor 
do they encourage theological seminaries. In this respect, like 

* The Reformed Mennonites. 



424 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

the Friends, the Mennonites of this country have been contend 
to walk in the ways of their fathers, and to hear the " word of 
hfe" expounded, by men of as simple taste and habits as them- 
selves. Let none, however, reproach them with hostility to 
useful learning — learning for life, and not for school. Holding 
Peace principles, and taking little or no part in the atfairs ot 
government, they teach their young men, that the first great 
duty of life is, for each man to mind his own busi7iess. Prac- 
tising upon this maxim, they encourage industry by their own 
examples, and discourage ambition by a representation of the 
evils necessarily following in its train. They spurn alike the 
honors and emoluments of office. Hence they deem an educa- 
tion, beyond the rudiments of a very common one, as super- 
fluous, among all their members of society. They have, there- 
fore, no ministers, to use a common phrase, classically educated. 
This is not, however, the case in Europe. 

At Amsterdam, they have a college, in which ail the useful 
branches are taught. Students of theology receive instruction 
in a room, containing the library, over the Mennonite chapel. 
The lectures are deHvered in Latin ; and each student before 
his entrance, must be acquainted with Latin and Greek. They 
attend at a literary institution for instruction in Hebrew, Ec- 
clesiastical History, Physics, Natural and Moral Philosophy, 
&,c. The college was established nearly a century ago, and 
was at first supported by the Amsterdam Mennonites alone; but 
lately, other Mennonite churches sent in their contributions. — 
Some of the students receive support from a public fund ; they 
are all intended for the Christian ministry.* 



THE BRETHREN, DIE TAEUFER, OR DUNKARDS. 

This society, or members of it, emigrated from Germany and 
Holland, in 1719; some of them settled in Germantown, others 
in Oley, Conestoga, Muelbach, and elsewere. From a society 
organized at Muelbach, Conrad Beissel seceded and formed a 
new association, commonly called the Siehen Taeger, or Ger- 
man Seventh-day Baptists, of whom some account has been 
given in the preceding part of this book. 

* Dr. Ypeij 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 425 

The Brethren were numerous, from 1730 to 1745, in Oley ; 
from that time on they seem to have decHned; at least, their 
number in that neighborhood began, at that period, to decrease. 
In the year 1724, the Dunkards held a general meeting, or 
Grosse Versammlung, in Oley. Rev. Peter Miller, in his 
Chronicon Ephratensa, says: 

" Sie, die Dunker, nahmen sich vor, einen allgemeinen Besuch 
zu machen — zu ihren Bruedern im ganzen Lande, und hierzu 
ward der 23ste October, 1724 ausgesetst, als an welchem der 
Besuch von Germanton absetzte, und zwar zuerst nach Schip- 
pack, Falkner Schwamm, hielten Brodbrechen da bei einem 
Bruder, Albertus genannt; von da reisten sie nach Oley, da sie 
eine Grosse Versammlung hielten und das Brodbrechen: dan 
nach ihren, Neugetauften Brueder an der Schuylkill, wo sie 
Versammlung und Brodbrechen hielten, und zwei tauftcn, von 
da nach Conestogo." 

This appears to have been a kind of Apostolischer Kreutz- 
zug. Fourteen of the Brethren travelled in company, seven 
on foot and seven on horse. 

Shortly after the arrival of Count Zinzendorf, there was 
another General meeting held in Oley, which was composed of 
Dunkards, German Seventh Day Baptists, Moravians, Menno^ 
uites. Separatists and others. 

Im Jahr 1742, says Miller, ist noch cine Conferentz in Oley 
gehalten worden, da bey Vier Vaeter der Germeinde in Eph- 
rata sind erschienen — Diese Versammluno; wurde eio-entlich 
von den Dunker gehalten — dann die Einsame Brueder hielten 
so verdaechtig von der Sach, dass sie ji.ch nicht mehr wollten 
damit einlassen. Sie hatten eir.e Schrift von Ehestand aufge- 
setzt wie weit er an Gott reiche, und dass er nur seye eine 
loebliche Ordung der Natur, dieselbe uebergaben sie, worauf 
ein haeftiger Wortstreit erfolgte. 

Der Ordinarius (Zinzendorf") sagte: Er waere keines weges 
mit dieser Schrift zufrieden, er haette seinen Ehestand nicht 
also angefangen, es stuende auch sein Ehestand hoeher als der 
Einsamen stand in Ephrata. Die Verordenten von Ephrata 
suchten die Sache wieder gut zumachen, und sagten, sie waqren 
keine Feinde des Ehestands, es waeren FamiHen in der Ge- 
meinde, die alle Jahr ein Kind hactten. Darueber schlug er 
(Zinzendorf) die Haende zusammen, und sagte, Es wundere 

36*= 



426 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

ihn, wie unter einem solchem wichtige Zeugniss, wie man vor- 
gebe, die Menschen doch so fleischlich lebeii koenten. 

Dorauf ist der Ordinarius in solchen Hefligkeiten ausgebrc- 
chen, dass er von seinem Amt, auf der Conferentz, ist ab-und 
ein Schlottlaender, Statt seiner, eingeselzt worden, und also 
lief endlich die Conferentz zur Aergerniss aller auseinander, zu 
Ende. 

Miller continues — Und weilen alle Gesinntheiten dazu einge- 
laden worden, wurde ich auch von meinem Vorsteher deputirt 
dahin zugehen. Und als ich zum Conferentz kam, welche in 
Oley gehalten worden, fand ich daselbst von unsern Taeufern, 
Sieben-Taeger, Menonniten und Separatisten; der Graf aber 
selbzt war Vorsitzer, daselbst hoerete ich wunderliche und 
setlsame Sachen. 

Als ich nun wieder heimkam, brachte ich mich bey meinem 
Vorsteher an, und sagte, dass ich des Grafen Conferentz ansehe 
als einen Fallstrick um einfaeltige, erwecktedente wider an die 
Kindertaufe, und den Kirchengang, zu bringen, und das alle 
Babel wieder aufzurichten. Wir hielten Rath, was zu thun 
seye, und wurden einig, dieser Gefahr vorzukommen, weil schcn 
einige Taeufer sich an dieser nichtigen Lehre vergaft hatten, 
jaehrlich eine Conferentz zu halten, oder wie wir es nannten 
Eine Grosse Versammluvg, und wurd zugleich Zeit und Ort 
bestimmt. Diese ist der Anfang und das Fundament von den 
Grossen Versammlungen der Taeufer — Chron. Eph. 128, 210. 

The present number of Dunkards is comparatively small — 
probably not exceeding two hundred in Berks and Lebanon 
counties. Of their places of meeting, we have no estimate. 

They, like the Mennonites, pay little or no attention to edi;- 
cation. They are retrograding as to numbers in this part of 
the country. 



GERMAN SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST. 



Though these took their rise in this portion of Pennsylvania, 
none are to be found, at present, residing in Berks and Lebanon. 
Of their rise, we have spoken. The reader is referred to pages 
336-343. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 421 



THE SCHWENKFELDERS. 

A respectable number of these emigrated from Europe in 
1734. Many of these arrived at Philadelphia the 22d Sept., 
others on the 5th October of the same year, and settled princi- 
pally in Montgomery, Berks, Bucks, and Lehigh counties, 
where their grand children chiefly reside at present, on the 
branches of the Skippack and Perkiamen creeks, in the upper, 
middle and lower end of Montgomery county, and the lower or 
east part of Berks, and south corner of Lehigh. 

The Rev. Wise was, it appears, one of their first ministers. 
He died in 1740. His successors were Rev'ds B. Hoffman, 
A. Wagner, G. Wagner, Christopher Schultz, sen,, C. Krichel, 
C. Hoffman, G. Krichel, Messrs. Krichel, Schultz, B. Schultz, 
A Schultz, and D. Schultz, assistants; I. Schultz, and last, the 
Rev. C. Schultz, who died March 1843. The Rev. C. Schultz, 
was the grandson of the Rev. Christopher Schultz, sen. — he 
was an eminent scholar, and distinguished wi'iter; he was the 
author of their excellent Catechism, Compendium of Christian 
Doctrine of Faith ; and of their Hymn Book. He was much 
esteemed as a sound Divine, and a man of undoubted piety, by 
all surrounding denominations. And on account of his devo- 
tedness and his eloquence, he was repeatedly called by the 
Reformed, Moravians, Mennonites, and others, to preach to 
them the gospel of everlasting salvation. His motto was: — 
"Soli Deo Gloria, ct Veritas vincet." 

The present young candidates in the Gospel Ministry of the 
upper district, in Berks county, are the Rev. Joshua Schultz, 
and William Schultz. In the middle and lower districts, the 
Rev. B. and A. Huebner, and Rev. David Krichel. 

They number about three hundred famihes; eight hundred 
members; have five churches and school houses. 

By their strict church discipline, they keep their members 
orderly, and pure from the contaminating influence of corrup- 
tion, so prevalent. They pay great attention to the education, 
the religious and moral training of their children. Many of 
them possess a respectable knowledge of the learned languages, 
Latin, &c. There is scarce a family among them that does not 
possess a well selected and neatly arranged library, among 
which are manuscript copies from their learned forefathers, 



428 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

which they held sacred on account of the purity of doctrine 
contained therein. They encourage Sabbath schools. They 
are practical temperance men. They exert a salutary influ- 
ence upon the community, and it is hoped, their influence -will 
soon be more widely felt. 



MORAVIANS. 

The Moravians took into consideration the conversion of the 
heathen as early as 1727, in North i\merica. In 1735, the 
Rev. Augustus Gottlieb Spargenberger, late Theolcgus Ad- 
junctus of the University of fJall, in Saxony, left his nathe 
country, and arrived that spring in Georgia, and remained there 
till 17o7 when he came to Pennsylvania ; and after spending 
some time here, he went to St. Thomas to hold a visitation 
there: from thence he returned again to Pennsylvania in 1739. 
Through him, it is said, tie Brethren were made attentive to 
other Indian nations, having received notice of them from Con- 
rad Wejser. Spangenberger returned to Europe in 1739, and 
there gave an account of the deplorable condition of the Indi- 
ans; whereupon Christian Henry Ranch was sent to America, 
he arrived at New Yoik in 1740, in July; in the month of Au- 
gust he went to Shekomeko, an Indian town, near the Stissik 
mountain, on the borders of Connecticut, where he labored 
;imong the Indians with success. 

In 1740 Bishop David Nitschman, with a company of breth- 
ren and sisters, arrived from Europe, and settled, what is now 
called Bethlehem. Nazareth was soon afterwards settled. 

In 1741 Count Zinzendorf came to Pennsylvania, as ordi- 
nary of the Brethren, with a view not only to see their estab- 
lishments in general, but especially the fruits of their labor 
among the heathen. Shortly on his arrival, he proposed to hold 
a synod at Oley, which, as shown in a preceding page, was held 
the 11th of February, 1742, in the barn of Mr. Van Dirk, 
(De Turk,) on which occasion three Indians, from Shekomeko, 
were baptized. 

In August, 1742, Count Zinzendorf visited the people at 
Tulpehocken. Shortly after this visit, a congregation was or- 
'^ranized in Bethel township, (now within the limits of Swatara 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 429 

township, Lebanon county). The station was called Bethel. 
The Rev, Johannes Brandmueller officiated here about the years 
1743 '44. Another congregation was organized at the Hebron 
station, near the present site of Lebanon, where they erected a 
church on the Quitopahilla, in which they held a synod in 1748. 
This building was of logs. In 1750 the ''Oratoriam," now 
standing, was erected in 1750. Besides these two, there were 
two erected in Heidelberg and one in Oley, between 1742 and 
1750. 

Conrad Weiser co-operated with the Moravians for several 
years. In the month of September, 1742, he accompanied 
Count Zinzendorf to Sharaokin, on the Susquehanna. While 
the Count was on a visit here, an incident fraught with interest 
occurred, v/hich it is thought is deserving a notice here. 

Zinzendorf and his little company, pitched their tents a little 
below Shamokin, on the banks of the Susquehanna. This 
caused no small degree of alarm among the Indians; "a coun- 
cil of the chiefs was assembled, the declared purpose of Zinzen- 
dorf was deliberately considered. To these unlettered children 
of the Avilderness it appeared altogether improbable that a 
stranger should brave the dangers of a boisterous ocean, three 
thousand miles broad, for the sole purpose of instructing tliem 
in the means of obtaining happiness ajfkr death, and Ihat too 
without requiring any compensation for his trouble and expense ; 
and as they had observed tiie anxiety of the white people to 
purchase lands of the Indians, they naturally concluded that 
the real object of Zinzendorf was either to procure them the 
lands at Wyoming for his own use, to search for hidden trea- 
sures, or to examine the country with a view to future conquest. 
It was accordingly resolved to assassinate him, and to do it 
privately, lest the knowledge of the transaction should produce 
war W'ith the English, who were settling the country belov/ 
the mountains. 

" Zinzendorf was alone in his tent, seated upon a bundle of 
dry weeds, when the assassins approached to execute their 
bloody mission. It was night, and the cool air of September 
had rendered a small fire necessary to his comfort and conveni- 
ence. A curtain formed of a blanket and hung upon pins, was 
the only guard to the entrance of his tent. The heat of his 
small fire had roused a rattlesnake which lay in the weeds not 
far from it; a,nd the reptile, to enjoy it more effectually, crawlcJ 



430 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

slowly into the tent, and passed over one of his legs undisco- 
vered. Without, all was still and quiet, except the gentle 
murmur of the river at the rapids, a mile below. At this mo- 
ment, the Indians softly approached the door of his tent, and 
slightly removed the curtain, contemplated the venerable 
man too deeply engaged in the subject of his thoughts, to 
notice either their approach, or the snake which lay extended 
before him. At a sight like this, even the heart of the savage 
shrunk from committing so horrid an act, and quitting the spot, 
they hastily returned to the town and informed their compan- 
ions that the Great Spirit protected the white man, for they 
had found him with no door but a blanket, and had seen a large 
rattlesnake crawl over his legs without attempting to injure 
him. This circumstance, together with the arrival, soon after- 
wards, of Conrad Weiser, procured Zinzendorf the friendship 
and confidence of the Indians."* After spending twenty days 
at Wyoming, he retuined to Bethlehem. 



THE LUTHERANS. 

Though Lutherans had emigrated into America, betweeii 
1621 and 1650, and settled in New York, they had no minis- 
ters of their own denomination laboring among them before- 
1659. Their first minister, was Jacob Fabricius, who arrived 
tliat year, and labored about eight years, when he left them, and 
t.'onnected himself with the Swedish Lutheran church, at Wica- 
co, now Southwark, Philadelphia, where he preached fourteen 
years; during nine of which he was blind. He died in 1792. 

Who the immediate successors (in New York) of Fabricius 
were, is not known ; but from 1703 till 1747, their pastors 
were the Rev. Falkncr, Knoll, Rochemdaler, Wolf, Hartwick, 
and others. All these labored in New York. 

From 1682 and onwards, a number of Germans, among 
whom were Lutherans, emigrated to Pennsylvania. "The tide 
of emigration, however," says S. S. Schmucker, "fairly com- 
menced in 1710, when about three thousand Germans, chiefly 
Lutherans, oppressed by Romish intolerance, went from the 
Palatinate to England, in 1709, and were sent by Queen Ann 
* Chapman's His. of Wyoming 



mSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 431 

to New York, the succeding year. In 1713, one hundred and 
fifty faraiUes settled in Schoharie; and in 1717, we find in the 
Colonial Records of Pennsylvania, that the Governor of the 
province felt it his duty to call the attention of the Provincial 
Council to the fact, "that great numbers of foreigners from 
Germany, strangers to our language and constitution, had lately 
been imported into the province. The council enacted, that 
every master of a vessel should report the emigrants he brought 
over, and that they should repair to Philadelphia within one 
month, to take the oath of allegiance to the government,* that 
it might be seen whether they were "friends or enemies to his 
majesty's government." 

In 1727, the year memorable alike for Francke's death, and 
the origin of the Moravians, a very large number of Germans 
came to Pennsylvania from the Palatinate, from Wirtemberg, 
Dormstadt, and other parts of Germany. This colony, (some 
of whom settled within the limits of Berks and Lebanon at an 
early period) was destitute of a regular ministry ; there were, 
however, some school masters and others, some of whom were 
probably good men, who undertook to preach; and, as many 
emigrants brought with them the spirit of true piety from Ger- 
many, they brought also, many devotional books, and often read 
Arndt's True Christianity, and other similar works on mutual 
edification. 

Among the first ministers wh6 labored among the Germans, 
within the counties of Berks and Lebanon, was the Rev. Mr. 
Stoever, who had collected a congregation as early as 1732, 
near Lebanon, at the Berg-Kirche', and another congregation 
at Tulpehocken, or RietJi's Kirche, where a congregation was 
organized about the year 1730 or 1731. 

Touching the Berg-Kirche, the Rev. Geo. Lochman, D. D., 
speaking of churches in Lebanon county, in 1812, says: Unter 
diesan ist die Bergkirch-Gameine die aelteste. Schon im Jahr 
1733 ist sie gesammlet worden, zu einer Zeit, da die Indianer 
noch haeufige Einfaelle in die Gegend machten und mordeten. 
Herr J. C. Stoever war zu der Zeit Prediger, und nahm sich 
der zerstreuten Schafen an. Man kam zusamman, nahm ein 
Vacantes Stueck Land auf, und bauete eine hoelzerne Kirche. 
Anfangs bagnuegte man sich damit, dieselbe unter Dach zu- 

* Col. Rec. iii, p. 18. 



432 HlSToilV off BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

bringen, uiid Blocke als sitze zugebrauchen, unci erstnachman- 
chen Jahren hat man sie ganz verfertigen koennen. 

Der Hunger nach dem Wort Gottes, und der Eifer fuer den 
Gottesdienst, muesse zu der Zeit gross gewesen seyn, den die 
Zuhoerer karaen weit und breit zusammen, und ]iessen sicli 
durch keinc Gefahren abhalten. Man nahm oefters die FJinte 
rait zur Kirche, urn sich unterwegs, nicht nur gegen die wilden 
Thiere, sondern auch gegen die noch weit wiideren Indianern 
zu vertheidigen; und wenn man Gottesdienst hielt, wurden 
oefters Maenner mit geladenen Gewehren auf die Wache ge- 
stellt. Die Kirche steht ohngefehr vier Meilen nordwestiicij 
von Libanon.* 

The Lutherans in the Tulpehocken settlenaent were destitute 
for some ten or fifteen, or more years, of a preacher of their 
own denomination; a certain John Peter Miller, a native of 
Oberant Lautern, of the electorate Palatinate, and a graduate 
of the University of Heidelberg, had arrived in Philadelphia, 
August 1730, and on application made to the Scotch Synod, 
was ordained, came to this place, and labored as a minister 
among the Germans here, several years — till 1734 or 1735. — 
In a letter to a friend, he states, alluding to his labors here, 
"In August 1730, I ari'ived in Philadelphia, and was there at 
the end of said year, upon order of the Scotch Synod, ordained 
in the old Presbyterian meeting house, by three eminent minis- 
ters, Tennant, Andrews, and Boyd. Having officiated among 
the Germans several years, I quitted the ministry and returned 
to a private life." 

The Germans generally, Lutherans as well as others, were in 
a destitute condition, as to ministers, especially of their own 
denominations, till, and some time after, the arrival of the ven- 
erable patriarch of Lutheranisra, the "Rev. Henry Melchior 
Muhlenberg, who came to this country in 1742, with qualifica- 
tions of the highest order. His education was of the very first 
character. In addition to his knowledge of Greek and Hebrew, 
he spoke English, German, Hollandish, (Dutch,) French, Latin, 
and Swedish. But wdiat was still more important, he was ed- 
ucated in the school of Franke, and had imbibed a large poi- 
tion of his heavenly spirit. Like Paul, he had an ardent zeal 
for the salvation of his brethren, his kinsmen according to the 
flesh. He first landed in Georgia, and spent a week with the 
* Evan. Mag. p. 20. 



HISTORY OF BEKKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 433 

brethren, Bolzius and Gronau, to refresh his spirit and learn 
the circumstances of his country ; and then pursuing his course 
by a dangerous coasting voyage, in a small and insecure sloop, 
which had no accommodation for passengers, he arrived in 
Philadelphia, November 25, 1742." 

Shortly on his arrival, he entered upon the discharge of his 
ministerial duties — visited, besides preaching statedly in Phila- 
delphia, New Hanover, &c.) other congregations, and dispersed 
Lutherans in Montgomery, Berks, and Lancaster counties, and 
organized a number of churches. 

He was soon joined in his extensive field of labor, by other 
highly respectable men, of excellent education, and of spirit 
like his own ; the greater part of whom were in like manner sent 
horn Germany, such as Brunnholtz and Lemkeinl74D; Hand- 
schub, Weygand, Kurz, and Schaum, 1748; Heinzclman and 
SchuUz, 1751; Gerock, Hausil, Wortman, Wagner, Schartlin, 
Shrenk, and Rauss, 1753; Bager, 17o8; Voigt and Krug, 1764; 
Helmuth and Schmidt, 1769; Kunze, 1770. Some of these 
labored in Berks and Lebanon. 

"The greater part of these men were indefatigable" in their 
labors. But none more so than Muhlenberg. Numerous and 
arduous were the difficulties in his way. The population was 
sparse, and in many instances unsettled. For the want of roads 
in many directions, the difficulties of travelling were very great, 
and in some instances, the tomahawk and scalping-knife of the 
Indian impeded the way of the minister. 

Muhlenberg, and his fellow ministers preached in season and 
out of season, in churches, in dwellings, in barns, and in the 
open air. 

In the Hallische Nachrichten, page 584, Muhlenberg says, 
under date of 1754. An sehr vielen Orten fehlet es nicht nur 
an Haeusern, wo man das Wort in auesserlichen Ruhe vor dern 
Bloecken der Schafe, Geschrei der Schweinen, Lermen der 
Kuehe und Pferde, und dergleichen unvernuenftigen Creaturen, 
in den an den Scheunen angebaueten Staellen predigen, und die 
Sacramenten austheilen kann ; sondern es fehlt uns noch manche 
an einigen Gabaueden, worin man mit der armen d^ugend di( 
Schul hatten. 

Muhlenberg preached in many of the churches in Berks and 
Lancaster counties. June 11, 1747, he preached in Alsace 
37 



434 HiSTOliY OF Berks Ai^fi Lebanon counties. 

township, in a church biiilt in common by the Lutherans an^l 
German Reformed. The same month he preached at North- 
kill and Tulpehocken. Sometimes at Molattan, and also near 
Weaverstown. Speaking of these places, he says, 1753 — " Ich 
natte neben meinen weitlaiiefigen Gemeine, ein Gemeinlein, aus 
Englische, Schwedische, und Deutschen Gliedern bestehende 
zu Molattan, ein paar Jahr rait grosser Beschwerlichkiet und 
Ruin meines Leibes-Kraeften bedient. 

"Unsere Teutsche Lutheraner haben mit den Reformirten, 
drey Meilen von der Schwedischen Kirche (Molatton) ein ge- 
mein schaeftliches Schul — und Versammlung haus gebaut u. 
s.f." 

He visited Reading, Heidelberg, Lancaster, &c., and preach- 
ed the gospel in various parts of Berks, &c. A congregation, 
as already stated, was organized, at what is known as the 
Riethen Kirche, about the year 1729 or 1730. This congrega- 
tion v.'^as visited by Moravian ministers, about the time Count 
.Zinzendorf had visited this part of the country. They took 
possession of the first building, and as a consequence, some con- 
siderable dissensions arose, and a militant excitement prevailed 
for some time between the parties. The Moravians were tri- 
umphant for awhile; however, the church again fell into the 
hands of the Lutherans. While the contest was going on, a 
portion of them seceded from that congregation, and erected 
the church so well known as the Die Tidpehocker Kirche, m 
1743. Three wealthy members of the church, whose farms 
joined, gave each five acres of land, gratuitously, for that pur- 
pose. Their names deserve to be perpetuated — they were Se • 
bastian Fisher, Christian Lauer, and George Unruh. Rev. To- 
bias Wagner was their first pastor. He labored two years and 
six months among them, when the Rev. J. Nicholaus Kurtz 
succeeded him. He ministered in spiritual things to the mem- 
bers of this and other congregations, for twenty-one years. 
Kurtz was succeeded by Rev. Christopher Schultz, who preach- 
ed here for the space of thirty-eight years. In 1811, their 
present indefatigable pastor, the Rev. Daniel Ulrich, took 
charge of this, and Other congregations of the neighborhood. 
This has always been one of the most prominent churches in 
Berks county, next to Reading, of which the following account 
is given : — 



BISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 435 



A HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 
CONGREGATION OF TRINITY CHURCH OF READING. 

"While there is probable reason to suppose the existence of 
this congregation prior to 1751, yet its history can only begin 
with any degree of precision and certainty, from March 20th, 
A. D., 1751, when we find Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, 
D. D., interesting himself in its welfare, while under the care 
of Tobias Wagner, (a self-constituted pastor, not connected 
with any clerical body,) who, Hving near the people of this 
congregation, held religious service with them in a private 
house. 

'' The congregation having increased, and their place of wor- 
iihip having been found too small, a congregational meeting was 
called, on January Cth, 1752, A. D., when, after the re-elec- 
tion of the officers of the previous year, viz : Peter Schneider, 
Christian Brentzer, William Marx, and Abraham Brpsius— it 
was resolved to build a church for the use of the congregation. 
Peter Schneider and John Oehrlin were elected to superintend 
the building. 

"At the same time, itwas resolved to re-establish their organ- 
ization, as an Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, upon the 
principles of the New Testament, as embodied in the 'unaltered 
Augsburg Confession,' and the symbolical books of the Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Church, an article was drawn up by subscrip- 
tion, to which the subscribers pledged themselves to the support 
of the congregation, on the principles above mentioned, and to 
the payment of the suras affixed to their names. This paper 
was subscribed by forty-nine names. 

"It appears that the erection of the building was commenced 
at once, on a lot of ground designated by Conrad Weiser. 
This lot is located on the northern side of Washington street, 
near the jail, between 5th and 6th streets. The building was 
of wood, of simple structure, and of ordinary size — it had a 
steeple and a bell. 

".The congregation, in this prosperous and growing state, de- 
siring the services of a regularly ordained pastor, frequently 
importuned the Rev. H. M. Muhlenberg, D. D., for the same, 
but as the ordained pastors of the Evangelical Lutheran church, 



4C6 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, 

were already stationed, the worthy Father (of the Evangelical 
Lutheran church) was unable to grant their request. Not dis- 
couraged by their unsuccessful efforts, the congregation ap- 
pointed one of its members, a delegate to attend the synodical 
session, October, A. D., 1752, and to lay before this body a 
letter, signed by eighty-two members of the congregation, im- 
portunately asking, that a member of the reverend body might 
be appointed to dehver the first sermon in the newly erected 
church, as also ' to set things in good order' in the congrega- 
tion. 

"The appointment fell upon the Rev. U. M. Muhlenberg, D. 
D., who preached the first sermon in the church, in October 
15th, 1752. 

" The first pastor of this congregation was'Rev. Schoertlin, of 
Magunshy, who administered for the first time in the new- 
church, the holy supper of the Lord, on March 1st, 1753. 

■' But, as Pastor Schortlen could preach only every three 
weeks, and desirous of having the services of a pastor located 
among them, the congregation extended a call to Rev. Hein- 
rich Gabriel Burchard Wordman, who accepted of the same, 
and entered upon his duties May 20th, 1753. During his pas- 
torship, the church was consecrated to the service of the blessed 
Trinity, on Dominica Trinitates, (June 17th, A. D., 1753,) 
and named 'The Holy Trinity Church.' Rev. H. B. G. Word- 
man, leaving December 20th, 1753. 

"The congregation passed successively into the hands of the 

Revd. Schumacher, from March 1754, till March 1757. 
" Hausile, from November 1760, till Novcm'r 1763. 
" Krug, from 1764 till 1771. 
" Henry Moeller, from 1775 till 1782. 
« Wildbahn, from March 1782 till March 1796. 

During the pastorship of Rev. Carl Frederick Wildbahn, it 
was found necessary, on account of the decayed state of the 
church — in which the congregation worshipped — to erect a new 
house of worship, which was resolved upon and commenced in 
the year 1790, and finished in 1793. 

This church is located upon the same lot of ground on which 
the old church stood. It is a brick church, strongly and sub- 
stantially built— of the largest size, measuring 61 by 81 feet 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 437 

square — having large galleries, it will comfortably seat about 
1500 persons. It has a steeple 201 feet high, in which hang 
three bells, the smallest of which is rung every week-day morn- 
ing at 8 and 12 o'clock. The others are rung for all religious 
■services. 

After the removal of Rev. Wildbahn, the congregation came 
under the care, successively, of Rev'ds Mareard, Lehman, 
Scriba, and others, and in the year 1803, of the Hon. H. A. 
Muhlenberg, D. D., who continued his pastorship, among this 
people for 26 years, until 1729, when the present pastor. Rev. 
J. Miller, D. I)., Wcis called to the pastorship of the congre- 
gation. 

Divine services had always been performed in the German 
language, until the pastorship of the Hon. H. A. Muhlenberg, 
D. D., who occasionally preached in the English language — - 
wliich custom, for satisfactory reasons, was discontinued by 
him. Since that time the German continued to be the only 
language in which divine service were perfoi med, until Decem- 
ber 1842, when the congregation called Rev. F. A. M. Keller, 
as assistant pastor in the English language. At the present 
time, divine services are administered in the German language 
on the morning of every Lord's day, and in English on the 
evening of the same. 

In connection with the congregation, is a Sunday school and 
week day school. The Sunday school has been in existence 
Ibr many years. It has a morning and afternoon session on 
every Lord's day, in a house erected for the purpose, measure 
ing 70 by 35 feet. The number of children enrolled as mem- 
bers of the school is 460. The average number in attendance 
about 400. 

The week day school is held in the school house of the con- 
gregation, a very ancient building of stone, near the church. 
The instruction is given in the German language. In earlier 
years it was more numerously attended, than at present. The 
present tutor is Mj. J, C\ Deininger. 

The vacancies which occurred by the removal of the pastors 
above named, as well as those that follow, were temporarily 
supplied, as appears from the church records and Hallische 
Nachrichten. The names of those who filled these vacancies 
at the time are not noticed here. 

This congregatipn is connected with three other country 

37* 



438 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

congregations, viz: — Swartzwald, Spies, and Alsace, in all of 
which, Rev. J. Miller, D, D., officiates." 

A few years ago, the Rev. James L. Schock, an alumni of 
the Seminary at Gettysburg, accepted of an invitation to preach 
exclusively in the English language, in Reading; after a short 
time, he succeeded in organizing a new congregation in the 
borough of Reading, and one or two in the country. Several 
churches are now building by the members of his charge. 

In connection with the Berg-Kirche, already mentioned, the 
Rev. Stoever also preached to a congregation in Lebanon and 
other places. The congregation in Lebanon worshipped for 
some time in a private house; in 1766, they erected a church, 
under the care of Rev. Stoever — succeeded by Muhlenberg, 
Shultz, Kurz, and Geo. Lochman, who took charge of it in 
1794. He preached here and at Berg Kircke, Ziegel Kirche, 
Millerstown, and Campbellstown, till 1815, when he was suc- 
ceeded by the Rev. Wilham G. Ernst, who has had charge of 
the congregation, and still preaches at Lebanon, Millerstown, 
Myerstown, Bindnagel's Kirche, and Campbellstown. The 
Rev. Rothrof has also charge of several congregations in Leba- 
non county. The congregation under his charge in Lebanon 
is now erecting a commodious church. 

Besides these ministers, others labor in this county as Luther- 
an ministers — the Rev. Mr. Stein, at Jonestown, and one or 
two others. 

To close this imperfect sketch of the Lutheran church, a 
brief memoir is added of one of their most eminent ministers. 



REV. HENRY MELCHIOR MUHLENBERG, D. D. 

Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, D. D., the father of the Lu- 
theran church in America, was a native of Germany, born at 
Eimbeck, Hanover, September 6th, 1711; educated in the 
school of Franke, at Halle. His education was thorough, of 
the very first character. He was master of the Hebrew, Greek, 
Latin, French, Low-Dutch, Swedish, German and English. — 
He spoke the Latin fluently, in which he addressed his clerical 
brethren, more than once at their synodical meetings. He 
preached in the Swedish, Dutch, German, French, and English 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 439 

ianguages in America. "But what was still more important, 
he was not only educated in the school at Ilalle, but he imbibed 
a large portion of the heavenly spirit of Franke. the founder 
of the Orphan House at Halle." 

"Like Paul, Muhlenberg, had an ardent zeal for the salva- 
tion of 'his brethren, according to the flesh.' He left his na- 
tive country early in 1742 ; sailed for Georgia — on his arrival 
there, he spent a week with his brethren, Bolzius and Gronau, 
to refresh his spirit and learn the circumstance of the country ; 
and then pursuing his course by a dangerous coasting voyage, 
in a small and insecure sloop, which had no accommodation for 
passengers, he arrived in Philadelphia, November 2-5, 1742. 

"During this voyage, all on board endured many privations; 
and being delayed and tossed about by contrary winus, suffered 
much for want of water. So great was the destitution of wa- 
ter, that even the rats ate out the stoppers of the vinegar bot- 
tles, and by inserting their tails, extracted the cooling liquid, 
and drew them through their mouths. And some of these ani- 
mals had also been seen licking the perspiration from the fore- 
heads of the sleeping mariners.* 

" The Lutheran churches were ina deplorable condition when 
he arrived; for there were but five or six organized Lutheran 
churches in Pennsylvania, at the time — one at Philadelphia, one 
at Providence, (the Trappe,) one at New Hanover, a few miles 
above the Trappe, one in Lebanon, the Berg-Kirch, under the 
Rev. Stoever's care; Rieth's Kirche, in Tulpehocken, and one 
at York, whose first pastor was, Rev. Mr. Candler — all these 
he visited repeatedly. In passing back and forth in visiting the 
destitute Germans, he formed the acquaintance of Conrad 
Weiser, Esq., in 1743, and whose daughter Maria was given 
him in marriage, in 1745. Speaking on this subject, Muhlen- 
berg says: — "Im Jahr 1743 ward Conrad Weiser mit mir be 
kannt — und gab mir seine Tochterf zur Ehegennossin." At this 
time he resided at Philadelphia. 

The same year he married, he moved from the city, and set- 
tled at Providence, or Trappe. In 1761 he was, however, 

* Hal. Nach., 9. 

t Maria Weiser, born at Schoharie, June 27, 1727, was baptized by the 
Rev. William Christopher Bockenmeyer, Lutheran minister — sponsors, Ni- 
cholas Feg and wife. Was married to the Rev. H. M. Muhlenberg, in Hei- 
delberg township, Pa., 1743, in her 16th year. Priv. Jour. C. W. 



440 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

again recalled to Philadelphia, where he labored thirteen years. 
Leaving his son Henry, who had previously been appointed his 
colleague, in charge of the congregation in Philadelphia, he 
returned to Providence, or Trappe, in 1774, where he contin- 
ued to reside till his death, October 7, 1787. His body rests 
in the burial ground at the Trappe church. His tombstone has 
this inscription:* 

Hoc Monumenium 

Sacrum esfo memoriae heati ac venerahilis 

Henrici Melchior Miihlenherg S. Theolog. Doctor 

ct Senioris Qninistei'ii, Lvtheran A^mericani 

Xati Sept. 6, 1711, defimcti Oct. 7, 1787. 

Qualis et quantus Jnerit non 

ignorabunt sine lapide 

futura Saecula. 

He had labored for nearly half a century with indefatigable 
zeal, whilst Edwards was co-operating with the extraordinary 
outpourings of God's spirit in New England, and the Wesley's 
were laboring to revive vital godliness in England; whilst 
Whiteheld was doing the same work in England and America ; 
and the successors of Franke were laboring to evangelize Ger- 
many: Muhlenberg was striving with similar zeal and fidelity, 
to do the work of God among his German brethren in this 
western world. 

Of him, as also of some of his early associates, it may be 
said, that "he was in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in 
])erils of robbers, in perils by his own countrymen, in perils by 
the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in 
perils in the sea, in peiils among false brethren, in weariness 
and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in 
fastings often, and in cold and nakedness. 

" He preached in season and out of season, in churches, in 
dwelhngs, in barns, and in the open air, until at last that divine 
Master, whom he so faithfully served, received him into the 
society of the apostles and prophets at his right hand, Oct. 7, 
1787.t 

* His Coll. Pa., p. 487. 

1 He Pasa Ekklesia, 383, 384. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 441 



THE GERMAN REFORMED. 

It has already been stated, that from 16S2, and at different 
intervening periods, Germans emigrated to North Carolina, New 
York, and the province of Pennsylvania. From 1708 to 1720 
thousands of Germans, to flee from oppression, and to seek a 
place of security, emigrated from the Palatinate, and other 
parts of Germany, to England, thence sailed to New York, and 
afterwards settled at Schenectady, Schoharie, and other parts 
of New York. In one of these settlements, at a comparatively 
early period, the German Reformed had a church in Weiscrs- 
dorjy. The Revd. Frederick Ileger, a Reformed minister 
preached here in 1720, and the Rev. John Jacob Oehl, a Ger- 
man Reformed minister was, it appears, his successor. The 
Revds. John Bernhard von Duehren, and William Christian 
Bockenmeyer, Lutheran ministers, are mentioned by Conrad 
Weiser, in his Private Tage Buck, as having preached in that 
part of New York, between 1720 and 1724. 

A large number of Germans arrived in Philadelphia, between 
1715 and 1726, who, in the language of Father Muhlenberg : 
" Hatten zwar Prediger mit genommen, oder zufaeiliger Weise 
bekommen." With these, they also brought some schoolmas- 
ters, of whose services they accepted as teachers for their chil- 
dren, and as readers of sermons for themselves — the two might, 
at present, be prohtably united. Schoolmasters and sermon 
readers, should not be considered incompatible callings. Un- 
fortunately for the German churches, those illy qualified school- 
masters, after reading sermons a short time, dreamed themselves 
qualified, assumed the sacred offices, to the non-edification of 
their hearers. Of this class was one J. C. Wirts, of Zurich.* 

The early history of the German Reformed church, for the 
want of early records, is involved in obscurity. "It would 
seem," says Professor Nevin, " that the church at Goshenhop- 
pen, in Montgomery county, is entitled to the highest antiquity 
among the early organizations. There is said to be documen- 
tary evidence of its having been in existence from the year 
1717. The first pastor, it would seem, was the Rev. Henry 

* Wirts, some years afterwards, made application to the Rev. Schlatter, 
to enable him to obtain, from the mother country, a regular ecclesiastical 
induction to the ministry. — Schlatter's Journal. 



442 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Goetschy, whose labors, however, in the end, inckided a wide 
field besides. He preached statedly to congregations at Skip- 
jack, Falconer Swamp, Saucon, Egypt, Maccungi, Moselem, 
Oley, Eern and Tulpehocken — his circuit comprising a district 
which is now covered by four counties — Montgomery, Chester, 
Eerks and Lebanon." 

In 1727, a large number of Palatines arrived, among whom 
was the Rev. George Michael Weis, V. D. M., a native of 
Stebback, in Neckerthal, Germany. He v\as a graduate of 
Heidelberg University — a profound scholar. " He spoke," 
says the Rev. Jedediah Andrews, " Latin, as readily as we do 
our vernacular tongue." After remaining here a few years, 
Weis, in company with an elder of the name of Reif, visited 
Holland, and other parts of Europe, about the year 1730, for 
the purpose of making collections in aid of the feeble congre- 
gations of Pennsylvania. Great interest was taken in their 
mission. Mr. Weis was received by the Synods of North and 
South Hqlland, as well as by smaller judicatories, with the 
greatest cordiality and regard." 

In 1731, the Rev. Johannes Bartholomaeus Rieger, a native 
of Oberingelheim, Palatinate, and graduate of Basel and Hei- 
delberg, arrived at Philadelphia. He took charge of a congre- 
gation at Seltenriech's, near New Holland, Lancaster county, 
and visited the dispersed German Reformed in other parts of 
the county. 

Though the demand for German Reformed ministers was 
great, we find but the names of Goetsch}-, Weis, Rieger, 
Bochm and Dorstius, among them in Pennsylvania, till the year 
1740. Still the church abroad, especially the church in Hol- 
land, carried the destitute churches here in her heart; an evi- 
dence of which appears in the fi^ct, that not long before 1741, 
she had taken care to forward for their use, one hundred and 
thirty German Bibles, which v>'ere now waiting for distribution 
in the city of Philadelphia. 

" No direct communication, however, was maintained with the 
distant spiritual plantation. But, in the year 1746, the Lord 
stirred up the heart of his faithfnl servant in Switzerland, to 
feel a more than usual solicitude in behalf of the German Re- 
formed church in America. This was the Rev. Michael Schlat- 
ten, of St. Gall." Having learnt the destitute condition of the 
churches in this country, relinquished his pastoral charge, and 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 448 

"with a cortiraendable missionary zeal, set out for Amsterdam, 
with a view of being sent out regularly from that place. The 
Classis of Amsterdam was regarded as having proper jurisdic- 
tion over the German Reformed congregations in America, as 
well as over the Dutch. To this body, therefore, Mr. Schlatter 
applied for his commission to visit the destitute American 
churches. His application was accepted ; and he received 
a formal appointment — embarked for America, June 1st, 1746, 
and on the 21st of July arz'ived at Boston. And on 
the 6th of September, he came to Philadelphia, where the el- 
ders of the Reformed Church received him with much tender 
affection and ioy. 

"On the 7th Sept." says Schlatter, in his Journal, "I werrt 
to Witpen, 16 miles, to visit the oldest German preacher in 
this vicinity, the Rev. J. B. Boehm. The venerable man re- 
ceived me in the most friendly manner, and promised, after be- 
ing made acquainted with my commission and instructions, to 
assist me heartily in counsel and in deed, which he also did to 
the extent of his power." 

After visiting the Rev. P. H. Dorstius in Bucks county, and 
the Rev. G. M. Weis, at Goschenhoppen. Rev. Schlatter and 
Weis, "went in company over the mountain to Oly, and the 
following day to Lancaster, on Conestoga, to visit the Rev, 
Rieger and his church;" Mr. Boehm, having in the mean time 
gone to Tulpehocken, to collect the two churches together, and 
preach a sermon preparatory to the communion; the Rev'ds 
Schlatter and Weis returned to Tulpehocken, where on the 
25th Schlatter preached, as he expresses himself, with much di- 
vine assistance, and not without a blessing, to a congregation 
of more than six hundred persons assembled in a wooden build- 
ing. The congregation listened to the publication of the word 
of God with much devout attention. The ardent desire for edi- 
fication, and a regular organization, and the hope of obtaining 
a stated preacher might have been read in their countenances. 
They could not conceal the exceeding joy and surprise they 
felt in seeing three preachers together — a circumstance which 
had never been witnessed there before. The old and the young 
shed tears of joy. I can only say, that this was to me, and to 
ray brethern, a day of much refreshment. I thought of the 
blessed Netherlands, where the company of heralds of the Gos- 
pel is numerous, while this extensive country is perishing for 



444 HISTORY OP BERKS AJiiD LEBAifON (JOUNTlESi 

lack of teachers. This lar<^e church has never had a regular 
pastor. Mr. Boehra has administered the communion hiere an- 
nually, twice — travelling eighty miles from Philadelphia, for the 
purpose. After sermon, with the assistance of Mr. Boehm, I 
dispensed the holy communion to upwards of a hundred mem- 
bers. 

"I afterwards infoniied them of my commission from the mo- 
ther country, and made the same proposition to them, which I 
had made to the churches in Philadelphia and Germantown. — 
They obhgated themselves to support a preacher in the two 
churches, situated five miles apart, consisting of about five hun- 
dred members; promising in money and produce about £50, as 
will appear by the Call forwarded on the 13th of October, to 
the Rev. Committees of the two Synods, and to the Classis ot 
Amsterdam. I also chose Elders and Deacons, with the ap- 
probation of the church, and ordained them.* 

The number of regularly ordained German Reformed minis- 
ters was small. There were but five, including Schlatter ; 
namely, Mr. Dorstius, who was stationed in Bucks county; Mr. 
Rieger in the neighborhood of New HoHand, Lancaster coun- 
ty; Mr. Weis in the region of Goshenhoppcn; Mr. Boehni, 
now an old man, about 15 miles fi'om Philadelphia. A Mr. 
Jacob Lischy, it is true, preached at York, but was formerly a 
leader and ordained teacher, or preacher of the Moravians. He 
accepted a call from the German Reformed congregation at 
York, in 1745. 

■' A few years after, Schlatter came, the Rev. Bartholoraaeus, 
and two young men, students of theology, arrived — David 
Marinus and Jonathan Dubois. Messrs. Conrad Templcman, 
at Swatara, and J. C. Wirts, of Sacany, were on probation, as 
appears from the minutes of the Coetus, held at Lancaster, 
Oct. 20, 1749. 

The Rev. Bartholomaeus took charge of the congregation- at 
Tulpehocken, in 1748. His successors were the Revds. H. W, 
Stoy in 1752, Wilham Otterbeinin 1758, Johannes Waldschmidt 
in 1785, Johann Jacob Zufall in 1766, Wilham Hendel, sen. 
in 1769, Andreas Horitz in 1785, Mr. Wagner in 1787, Wil- 
liam Hendel, D. D. 1793. Thomas H. Leinbach, the present 
pastor, in 1826. 

* Schlatter's Journal. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 445 

The Rev. William Otterbein, whose name is held in venera- 
tion by many in this country, was born in Nassau, Dillinberg, 
Germany, on the sixth day of November, 1726. 

A friend, to whom we had applied, furnished the following 
brief memorial of Otterbein : — 

" The time of Otterbein's arrival is unknown to me. From 
the records of the congregation at Lancaster, it appears that 
he became the pastor of that church in 1752. This is the first 
notice of him that I have found. It is probable that he had 
then but recently arrived in America; and this probability is 
strengthened, by the fdct that the Rev. Mr. Schlatter returning 
from his visit to Holland, Germany and Switzerland, in behalf 
of the Reformed churches in this country, arrived at New York 
on the 27th of July, 1752, and brought with him six newly 
ordained ministers, who were destined for the churches of Penn- 
sylvania. [Hallische Nachrichten, p. 502.] As Mr. Otter- 
bein's name occurs frequently after this time, and not at all 
before, there is little doubt that he was one of these. In the 
autumn of 1758, meditating a visit to his native country, and 
undecided about returning to America, he resigned his charge 
at Lancaster ; but the dangers of the approaching season, and 
of the war with France, which then prevailed,"determined hini 
to defer his voyage, in the hope of an early peace, until the 
ensuing spring ; and to be usefully employed in the interval, he 
took the charge, temporarily, of two congregations in Tulpe- 
hocken. The war continuing, he remained in the same place, 
and in the fall of 1760, in pursuance of the wishes of the Coe- 
tus, he transferred his labors to Fredericktov/n, in Maryland, 
which is described as a large but very remote congregation, 
that could not be reached, like Tulpehocken, by supplies from 
neighboring churches. Before this time, he had been proposed 
as successor to Messrs. Rubel and Stoy, in the distracted con- 
gregation of Philadelphia, but dechned. In 1761 the congre- 
gations of Reading and Oley, in Berks county, presented a call 
for him to the Coetus, which he also declined, on the ground 
that he could not relinquish a charge he had so recently as- 
sumed. Four years later, about the first of ISfovember, 1765, 
he removed to York, Pa., where he labored in the ministry 
until April, 1770, His long meditated voyage to Europe was 
now undertaken, and he left his flock to visit his home and his 
38 



446 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

friends in Germany, with the design, however, to return to hi^ 
labors here, if God permitted: and agreeably to this purpose 
lie did return, after an absence of about 17 months, and re- 
sumed his ministry among the same people, in September, 1771. 
In April, 1774, he took the pastoral caae of tha new church in 
Baltimore. The Reformed congregation in that city, then un- 
der the care of the Rev. Christopher Faber,* had been rent by 
a division in 1770 ; when a strong party, alleging that the pas- 
tor's ministry was cold and unedifying, seceded from the church 
and built a new house of worship, having for their spiritual 
guide a young man of piety and talents, of the name of Swope. 
The Coetus wishing to re-unite the two parties, decreed that 
both incumbents should withdraw, and their adherents be united 
under another, who might be acceptable to all. Mr. Faber 
retired and went to Taneytown, Md. Mr. Swope's party 
would not suffer him to go. In consequence of this refusal, 
their opponents called a Mr. Wallauer. Upon the removal 
of Mr. Swope, the same party called Mr. Otterbein, who ac- 
cepted their call. He was censured by the Coetus, though 
informally; but he asserted his right to be governed, in such a 
case, by his own convictions ; and the Coetus ultimately sanc- 
tioned the act, and recognized both congregations. The new 
church seems to have consisted of the more pious portion of the 
old congergation. Mr. Otterbein was more attentive to inter- 
nal piety than to external forms, and pursued a course in his 
ministry, which to many others appeared new and objectiona- 
ble : and from this cause arose a coolness between his brethren 
and him, which eventually alienated him, in a measure, from 
the judicatories of the church. In his person, Mr, Otterbein 
was portly and dignified ; in his manner, urbane, affectionate, 
and of child-like simplicity. He had been well educated, and, 
to the close of his life, read Latin authors with as much ease 
as those in his vernacular tongue. His piety was unfeigned 
and glowing — his preaching solenm and impressive: but his 
voice was weak, and his utterance, at least in his old age, 
somewhat indistinct. The consistory of the church, in Phila- 
delphia, in a letter to the Fathers in Holland, dated February, 
1760, even where they indulge in an illiberal insinuation, bear 
this testimony : ' He is a worthy man, and by reason of his 
conduct in hfe, greatly beloved.' He went frequently on jour- 
* A different person from the Rev. J. Theob. Faberj of GoshefiHdppen. 



BSSTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 447 

neys to minister to remote and destitute congregations, and his 
ministrations left every where a gratetui- impression upon the 
hearts of his auditors. In the latter part of his life, his Judg- 
ment failed, and left the goodness of his heart to be sometimes 
much abused by false pretenders. He died November 17, 1813, 
aged 88 years." 

The early settlers of Alsace township were German Re- 
formed, French Reformed, or Huguenots, Swedes and Germans. 
The two former classes held Calvinistic tenets ; the latter were 
Lutherans. Tradition has it, that the Huguenots and German 
Reformed, held religious meetings within a mile or two of Read- 
ing, and in conformity with the good custom of their fathers in 
Europe, conducted their worship in the evening as well as in 
the day — they cultivated a spirit of genuine piety — they met 
after night in each other's houses, for social prayer. In this 
they imitated the example of primitive Christians. For the 
purpose of public worship they erected a church, more than 
one hundred and twenty years ago — it was a log building. 
After some of the Swedish and German Lutherans had settled 
in' Alsace, they asked, and obtained privilege in the same old 
house — in which both congregations of the neighborhood wor- 
shipped, unitedly, till about the year 1751, when the Luther- 
ans broke off, and erected a house of worship in Reading. 

The GerraauJ Reformed also, shortly aftervrards, purchased 
a lot on Seventh street, erected a house on it, in which 
they worshipped till the old stone church was erected in 1761. 
The Rev. Michael Schlatter, and Johan Conrad Steyner, re- 
peatedly visited this and other congregations. 

They were, it seems, destitute for some time of a regularly 
settled pastor. At a Coetus, held at Lancaster, April, 1755, 
it appears from the Protocol, that Adam Coerper, an Elder, 
represented the interests of the congregation at Reading. At 
the same Coetus appeared Elders John Loescher and Casper 
Griefheimer, from Oley, and gave an account of the church o£ 
that neighborhood. The Elders united and petitioned for a 
minister, or supplies. The Revds. Weis, Schlatter, Leydick, 
Waldsmith and Sttyner, were appointed as supplies for Read- 
ing and Oley. 

The first stated pastor in Reading, was the Rev. John Wil- 
liam Boos, who commenced his labors in 1771, who was sue- 



448 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

ceotled by the Rev. Nebling, 1782; Bernhart Willy, 1784; 
John William Ingolcl, 1786; the Rev. Boosagain in 1789; he 
was then succeeded by the Rev. Philip Rhinehold Pauli, who 
preached here till 1814, when his son, William Pauli, took 
charge of this and other congregations connected with the 
Reading charge. Under his pastoial care, the present church 
edifice in Pleading, was erected in 1832. The present pastor, 
the Rev. John Conrad Bucher, succeeded Mr. Pauli in 1842. 
Mr. Bucher was the first who introduced regular English 
preaching. 

The present number of German Reformed churches, some 
of which are held jointly by them and Lutherans, is between 
thirty and forty in Berks county. The pastois residing, or 
preaching in this county, are, as far as we could learn, the fol- 
lowing, the Revds. L. "C. Herman, Philip Moyer, Mr. Hassin- 
ger, Mr. Bossier, A. L. Herman, Mr. Schultz, Charles G. Her- 
man, J. Sasaman Herman, William Pauli, Augustus Pauli, J. 
C. Bucher, Isaac Miesse, and William Hendel, D. D., at Wom- 
melsdorf, without a charge — all of whom preach German, and 
only one or two preach in English. 

\Vith this number of pastors — "if they will pursue the course 
which the Saviour took, and the apostles pursued, the couise 
which the prophets went, in which the Reformers trod, and 
which the faithful minister of God in every age has pursued, 
ignorance, impiety, apathy in matters of religion, selfishness, 
and all the polluted offspring of the flesh, would soon be ban- 
ished from the church, and she vv^ould, ere long, present that 
purity and loveliness which the Bride of Christ should exhibit." 
All who see the present condition of the German Reformed 
Zion, and pray, " Thy Kingdom Come," must devoutly wish 
for a more general reformation. 

It appears that, besides at tlie Tulpehocken church, there 
was none ministering in spiritual things within the present lim- 
its of Lebanon county, prior to 1748, except Mr. Conrad Tem- 
pleman, who, it seems, from the minutes of Coetus, held at 
Lancaster in October, 1749, had, though he was not regularly 
ordained, preached at Swatara. 

The Rev. J. B. Rieger, as a supply, took charge of a con- 
gregation at Shaefferstown, as early as 1754 or 55; at the same 
time, the Rev. Johannes Waldsmith was stationed at Cocalico. 
Templeman preached at Lebanon and Swatara, till the year 



HISTORY OF BEEKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, 44^' 

1760, when through physical inability, he ceased officiating ia 
the church. At a Coetus, held at Philadelphia, October 21 
and 22, 1760, it is recorded, in relation to him. " Templeman 
is stoek hlynd, predikt maer zeer ZeldrauTn in zyn eygen huis,^' 
i. e., Templeman is stark blind, he preaches for some time irv 
his own house.* It also appears that there was a vacancy at 
Tulpehocken, as well as at Swatara, ^bout 1761. The IVIin- 
utes of that date, state " Tulpehocken und Schwatara, w'arten 
mit Schmerzen fuer einen Prediger — gleichfals Reading und 

Templeman was succeeded by theRevd. John Conrad Buch- 
er, in 1768, who was succeeded by the Revd. Runkel in 1780, 
or 1781. Runkel's successors were the Revd. Loop, Hiester, 
Kroh, Henry Wagner, the present pastor of the churches at 
Lebanon, Jonestown, Anville, Millerstown, &c. 

At present, there are but three German Reformed ministers 
stationed, and residing within the limits of Lebanon county. 
These are the Revd. Leinbach at Tulpehocken, Wagner at 
Lebanon, and John Gring at Stumptown — and in all, about 
fifteen congregations, numbering rising of two thousand mem- 
bers. 

We shall close this imperfect sketch of the German Reformed 
church, with biographical notices of the Revds. P. R. Pauli, 
John Conrad Bucher, and Michael Schlatter. 

* It IS note-worthy here, that the greater part of the proceedings, reports, 
&c of the Coetes of the German Reformed Church were, until towards the 
closefof the eighteenth century, conducted in Dutch or Latin. The extract 
above, from the Minutea, is Dutch — not German 



38^ 



EIOGRAPIilCAL SKETCHES. 



REV. PHILIP R. PAULI. 



Philip Reinhold Pauli was born on the 22d of June, 1742, 
in the city of Magdeburg, in Prussia. His father, Ernest L, 
Pauli, was superintendent, consislorial counsellor, and court 
preacher, at the principality of Bernbuig. He commenced his 
studies at the public school in Magdeburg, and afterwards was 
removed to the Soachim-Gynasium in Berlin: and finally com- 
pleted his education at the Univeisities of Halle and Leipzig. 
He spent considerable time, according to the best information, 
after closing his studies, in travellii g through Europe with a 
wealthy uncle. He arrived in this country in 1788, after an 
exceedingly distressing and dangerous voyage. 

He began his useful labors in this country as a teacher of an 
Academy in Philadelphia, where he remained six years, and 
received the honorary degree of Master of Arts. He came to 
this country unmarried, and the 14th of February, 1784, was 
united to Elizabeth Musch, dauglitcr of Mr. John Musch, of 
Easton, Pa. From the year 1789, he devoted himself to the 
work of the ministry, and for some years was pastor of the 
churches in Shippach and its vicinity. In 1793 he commenced 
his labors at Reading, as pastor of the G. R. Church, which he 
prosecuted with zeal and activity for 21 years and 9 months. 
In addition to his ministerial labors, he kept for several years 
a select Latin and French school. He seldom wrote his ser- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 4-51 

nions, but collected materials for them during the week, and on 
Saturday arranged them into a regular disposition or skeleton. 
His sermons were generally simple and affecting; especially at 
funerals, where he seldom preached without weeping or causing 
others to shed tears. His church was generally well fdled. 
His leisure hours were generally employed in reading, or visit- 
ing his members. As it respects the catechising of children, 
he generally devoted, during the summer season, the sabbath 
afternoon to this pleasing task, and previous to the confirmation 
of youth, he usually gave them instruction regularly for about 
two months. He was regular in attending synodical meetings, 
and always took an active part in the passing business. He was 
frequently invited to attend consecrations, and other public 
meetings, even at considerable distances. He was mild, cheer- 
ful, and generous in his disposition, and regular in his habits 
and course of life. He died on the 27th of January, I8I0, and 
his departure was a sweet sleep, that transferred him to a bet- 
ter world. On the following sabbath his mortal remains were 
committed to the tomb. Notwithstanding the inclemency of 
weather, a large congregation assembled to offer the last testi- 
mony of regard to their aged pastor. The Rev. William Hen- 
del delivered an appropriate funeral sermon on 2 Kings, ii, 12, 
in the large Lutheran church, after which the procession moved 
to the Reformed church, where a short but impressive address 
was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Dechant, Der Herr segne seine 
ascbe. W. P. 



452 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANOK COUNTIES. 



THE REV. MICHAEL SCHLATTER, ' 

As already stated, was a native of St. Gall, in Switzerland ; 
and, undoubtedly, a graduate of the Protestant college, which 
has, at present, fourteen professors. When but quite a young 
man, he took a pastoral charge, but in consequence of informa- 
tion he had received of the destitute condition of the German 
Reformed churches in America, he relinquished his charge, and 
being a man of ardent temperament, and withal possessing much 
of the romantique, perhaps preponderating firmness and deci-' 
sion, — inspired with the zeal of a missionary, he at once set 
set out to visit his countrymen in the new world, and minister 
to them in things spiritual, " in the church and in the field." 

He accordingly repaired to Amsterdam, to obt;iin from the 
Classis, there, such credentials as were requisite. He obtained 
them from the Classis, and from the Synods of North Holland, 
in conjunction, a general commission to visit the churches, en- 
quire into their condition, and organize, and as far as possible 
improve them. 

He embarked on board of a ship at Amsterdam, June 1st, 
1746, " and sailed for Boston, in North America, after having 
committed," says S. in his journal, "myself to the guidance and 
protection of God." On the 11th we ran into the Orkney 
Islands on the North of Scotland, and remained till the 23d, 
during which time we only saw the sun on two days. The in- 
habitants, who appear to be people of good disposition, assured 
us, that in those regions usually have nine months of winter, 
two of rough weather, and only about one month of good 
weather during the year. 

After this we proceeded prosperously in our voyage until we 
reached Newfoundland. On the 24th July we fell in, during 
an exceedingly dark night with Sable Island, a very dangerous 
place, at no great distance from Cape Breton, and I cannot re- 
call to mind, without shuddering, and at the same time thanks 
to God, the imminent danger we were in of losing all, and per- 
ishing in the wild waves, had not God, who is mighty to re- 
deem, rescued us contrary to all our expectations, and gianted 
us, when we called upon him in trouble, deliverance Irom all 
our suffering, and brought us safely to Boston, our desired 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES:. 453 

haven, in seven days, where we offered him our bounden tribute 
of thanksgiving. 

In Eoston — the largest and most populous city of the English 
Colonies in America, containing about 3000 well built houses — • 
1 was received with much affection and kindness by the hon- 
orable Mr. J. Wendel, a distinguished Holland Merchant, and 
a member of the Government. This reception allayed the anx- 
ieties I had felt on entering a land of strangers, and confiimed 
my hope, that God would make my way prosperous. Aftei- 
having sent on my baggage to Philadelphia and New York by 
water through the favor of my distinguished friend, I set out on 
the 4th of August on my journey by land, in the agreeable so- 
ciety of Dr. Eekman. 

On the 7th, after travelling 70 English miles, we arrived at 
Newport, a considerable town on R-hcde Island, which posses- 
ses a convenient and safe harbor, from which ships can run into 
the sea in the course of one hour. On the 11th, having tra- 
velled 230 more of these miles, we reached New York, or New 
Amsterdam, the capital of the province of New Netherlands, 
containing about 2000 houses. This city, as well as Long Island, 
and other places in the vicinity, and the shores of the North 
liiver to Albany, and the country beyond more than 250 miles, 
and even to Canada, is for the most part settled with well dis- 
posed natiA^e Low-Dutch inhabitants. During my stay in the 
city I received very special attention and kindness from t'he 
three Dutch preachers, but particularly fiom the venerable 
Father Du Bois, who is highly esteemed both by the English 
and the Dutch, and who has already labored in the ministry 
here for more than 50 years, and reached the age of SO. This 
is another proof that this climate is. as healthy as that of Eu- 
lope. Indeed, from m.y ovrn experience, I can truly testify, 
that often, when seeing the towns, the level country, the cli- 
mate, the prudent inhabitants, living in the same manner, and 
enjoying the same education, business and pursuits, and scarcely 
distinguishable in any thing from Europeai^s, I have hardly 
been able to persuade myself that I was, in reality, in a distant 
quarter of the world. 

On the 6th September I came to Philadelphia, 95 miles from 
New York, where the Elders of the German Reformed church 
received me with much tender affection and joy, and provided 



454 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

lodgings for me with one of their number, in whose house I 
resided for eight months, though at my own expense. 

On the 7th I went to Witpen, 16 miles, to visit the olde'st 
German pf eacher in this vicinity, the Rev. J. B. Boehm, (whom 
the Lord has since released from his post.) The venerable man 
received me in the most friendly manner, and promised, after 
being made acquainted with my commission and instructions, 
to assist me heartily in counsel and in deed, which he also did 
to the extent of his power. 

Sept. 8. I w^ent out, 8 miles, to see Mr. J. Reif, and to re- 
quire of him, according to the instruction of the Synods, an 
account of the monies collected in Holland, by him and Mr. G. 
M. Weis, sixteen years before (1731) for the benefit of the 
Pennsylvania churches. When he declared himself ready, I 
iixed the time of twelve days, and gave him the liberty to name 
the place of meeting for the purpose. 

In order to lose no time, I returned immediately to Philadel- 
phia, to make enquiry respecting the German bibles wdiich had 
been sent thither some years before by the affectionate care of 
the Synods of Holland. I found them without much difficulty, 
in the careful hands of the honorable Benjamin Schumacher, 
who, when he saw my commission, and learned that the freight 
had been paid in Rotterdam to Mr. Z. Hoppe, cheerfully gave 
over to me one hundred and eighteen copies, all w^ell preserved, 
without any charge for expenses. I sent, or carried one of 
these bibles to nearly every one of the churches in Pennsylva- 
nia for tlie use of the pulpit ; fifty were placed at the disposal 
of the overseers of the churches, to be distributed according to 
their discretion for the benefit of the poor ; others I lent to 
this and that poor man, to awaken and confirm their zeal for 
reading and examining the word of God. Six or eight of them 
I sold, in order to purchase catechisms for the school children, 
and about twenty-four copies still remain in my hands, to be 
disposed of as necessity may require. 

On the 11th I administered the holy communion to about 
one hundred members in Philadelphia. Mr. Boehm assisted in 
this service. On the loth I received a letter from Messrs. Weis 
and Reif, inviting me to the house of latter on the 21st to set- 
tle their accounts. 

In the meantime I souf^ht to restore order to the church of 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTlEl?, 455 

Philadelphia, and unite it with Germantown in the support of 
a pastor, who may preach in both churches on every Lord's 
day. 

The 16th I went into Bucks county, sixteen miles, to pay 
ray respects to Mr. P. H. Dorstius, who, when made acquaint- 
ed with ray instructions, received me in a most friendly and 
fraternal manner, offered to render me his assistance, and pro-" 
raised to arrange his vestry at a convenient time, and give me 
information; after which, I returned to the city." 

Schlatter had now entered his missionary field. He com- 
menced to visit all the German Reformed ministers, and the 
destitute churches in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. 

In the month of September, 1746, he visited the Rev. G. M. 
Weis at Goshenhoppen. Mr. Weis had recently fled from his 
church at Rhiraebeck, near Albany, N. York, on account of 
the war. In the same month he visited the Rev. Rieger, in 
Lancaster county; the churches at Tulpehocken, where he or- 
ganized several congregations. In the course of 1747, he or- 
ganized six or seven congregations in Pennsylvania, besides 
visiting all the churches in Pennsylvania, and one or two at 
New Jersey. In 1748, he visited congregations in Maryland 
and Virginia. After spending several years in the faithful dis- 
charge of his officer, he returned to Ilolland, in 1751, wher« 
he laid a journal of his proceedings before the Synod. 

Schlatter, faithful to his trust, and representing the true state 
of the German churches in Pennsylvania — stating that he found 
the harvest great — the laborers few, and thousands living here 
where the hght of the Gospel reached them rarely, if ever; and 
that the greater portion was destitute of the means of the know- 
ledge of salvation. 

He made warm appeals to the Fathers of Holland — his ap- 
peals deeply affected them, and they accordingly devised a 
a plan and raised funds, to relieve and instruct the poor Ger- 
mans and their descendants in Pennsylvania.* 

A society of noblemen and gentlemen, for this purpose was 
organized, and the Rev. Schlatter was constituted Visitor, or 
Superintendant General of Schools opened by them in Pennsyl- 
vania ; a duty which, on his return from Europe, he discharged 
with fidelity, though with much opposition from various quar- 

* See page 99, &c., antea. 



466 HistorV of berks and Lebanon counties. 

ters!! This opposition, probably induced him to relinquish hi.* 
Visitorial trust, and accept of a station "in the field." 

In 1756, he was appointed General Chaplain to the British 
Army, by General LoUdon of the fourth battahon of the Royal 
army of North America. He accepted the appointment. To 
other places besides, he also accompanied the army to Nova 
Scotia. In 1759, returned in good health, to Philadelphia. — 
The last notice we find of him, is in the Hallische JYachrickten, 
in which the Rev. Muhlenberg mentions that he staid with him 
all night, December 5th, 1762. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNT lES. 457 



REVD. BUCHER. 

The Rev. John Conrad Bucher, a name associated with 
the Church and State of this country, whose genealogy has been 
preserved and recorded, consecutively, through twenty-nine 
different families, from January 21st, 1541, till it reaches the 
Hon. John C. Bucher, of Harrisburg, the grandson of the sub- 
ject of this notice, was born the 13th of July, 1730, in Swit- 
zerland, lie was the son of Jacob Bucher, Sheriff of Neuu- 
kirch. He was educated at the best schools in his native coun- 
try. From all that is known of him, he pursued, with equal 
ardor, the various branches of study, gaining the highest honors 
in the schools which he attended. He was remarkable for 
having acquired a rich flow of language, and unprecedented 
copiousness and energy of thought, which rendered him usei'ul, 
and attracted the attention of all who heard him. 

At the age of twenty-five, he left SchafFhausen, in Switzer- 
land ; embarked, as is most probable, under the care of the 
English government, for America, seeking a place for future 
usefulness in life : he came to Pennsylvania, in 1755, and took 
up his abode at, or near Carlisle, Cumberland county, which 
was then a frontier settlement — where Fort Louther had jtist 
shortly before been erected. 

Willing to wield carnal weapons of defence, in repelling the 
incursions of the savage Indians, who were instigated by the 
French to slaughter, indiscriminately, regarding neither age nor 
sex, Mr. Bucher was induced to accept the appointment as 
Lieutenant, of a company in the battalion of the Pennsylvania 
regiment of foot, as appears from a parchment commission — 
preserved in the Bucher family — signed by James Hamilton, 
Esq., Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-chief of the pro- 
vince of Pennsylvania, and counties of Newcastle, Kent and 
Sussex, on Delaware. The commission is endorsed by Richard 
Peters, Secretary, dated 19th April, 1760: — 

To Conrad Bucher, Gentieman, Greeting, 4'c., appointing hint 
Lieutenant, fyc. 

From documentary evidence, it further appears, he had been 
o9 



458 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIESo 



in military service prior to his appointment to a Lieutenantcy. 
Previous to this appointment, he had married Mary M. Hoke, 
of York, whose parents had been among the first settlers of 
that place. They were married February 26, 1760. 

He remained at Carlisle till 1762, when, as appears from the 
subjoined certificate, he was called to another station, or to 
itinerate as an officer at the command of his superiors. 

" This is to show that the bearer hereof, Mary Bucher, has, 
for some years past lived in this congregation, and has behaved 
herself in a sober and decent manner, so far as it is to me known, 
and is now, at this time of her departure, here free from any 
church censure, or any thing to me known, exposing her 
thereto. 

Carlisle, 4th day of November, 1762. 

Geo. Duffield, v. d. m. 

Owing to his merits as an officer, in the faithful discharge of 
his duties, he was promoted to the captaincy of the Pennsyl- 
vania regiment of foot. 

His commission is dated July 31, 1764. 
Tranquihty and peace having been restored about this time; 
for Col. Bouquet had conquered the Indians, and compelled 
them to sue for peace — Captain Bucher now exchanged the 
sword of the flesh for that of the spirit. The soldier became 
now a distinguished preacher of the gospel of Christ, A 
German Reformed congregation was organized at Carlisle 
about the year 1755, and it is probable he was the first Ger- 
man Reformed minister. It was about this time that he entered 
fully into the ministry. He became a preacher of singular 
power, and knew no other joy than to devote the energies of a 
vigorous constitution to the glory of his heavenly Father. 

A vacancy presented itself at Lebanon, and having received 
a call from that congregation, he located at that place in 1768, 
and devoted all his time to the people of his charge, except 
what he spent in visiting destitute congregations, and discharg- 
ino- the duties of Chaplain in the Army in the commencement 
of the revolution, for some time. 

He was one of the most devoted ministers of the gospel of 
his day — truly apostoUc in his labors. He was a shining light, 
consuming itself, as it illuminated others by its splendor. In 
the language of Knapp — Er erlaubte sich keinen leeren Zwis- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 459 

chenraum zwischen den verschiedenen Arten von Geschaefte^i 
die er zu verrichten hatte. An extract from his Pocket Alma- 
nac for 1768, shows that he was instant in season and out of 
season. 

January, 1768. On the 1st, 2d, 4th and 5th, he preached 
at Carlisle — 8th at Quitopahilla — 9th at Lebanon — 10th, the 
Lord's supper at Lebanon — 11th at Heidelberg — 12th at Weis 
Eichenland— 17th at Carlisle— 24th at Falling Springs— 29th 
at Jonestown and Klopf 's — 30th at Camberlin's — 31st at Le- 
banon, Quitopahilla, and at Carlisle. 

In February, besides the places above mentioned, he preached 
at Rapho, Hummelstown, Middletown, Blaser's, Maytown, 
Sheafferstown. 

In April, in Carlisle — at Doctor Schnebley's, Hagerstown, 
14th — held catechising on the 16th, the 17th at Falling Springs, 

In May the 8th, at Carlisle — 12th at Falling Springs — 15th 
Lord's Supper — 21 and 22 at Quitopahilla and Lebanon — the 
31st had nuptials at Lisburn. 

In July he is again at Carhsle, Falling Springs, Conoco- 
cheague, and Hagerstown. 

In August, at the same places. 

In September, at Reading, &c. 

In October, 20th, at Carlisle — the 4th at Falling Springs — 
othat Schnebley's — 6th at Hagerstown — 7th at Peter Spangs — 
8th at Sharpsburgh — 9th at Fredericktow-n — 16th at Hum- 
melstown and Middletown; and almost every day then at some 
of his usual places. 

November 6th at Bedford— 13th at Redstone — 20th at Red- 
stone. 

December — the whole month — at Carlisle. 

In another Almanac, for 1771, he notices a number of night 
meetings he held. These were, no doubt, social prayer meet- 
ings. 

He was unwearied in his Master's cause — faithfully discharg- 
ing his pastoral duties, until in the Providence of God, he was 
called hence. He departed this life on the 15th of August, 
1780. In the morning of that day, he had gone from Lebanon 
to Millerstown, a distance of five miles, to perform a marriage, 
and whilst among the nuptial party, he died suddenly. 

As a testimonial of respect, high regard, and affection of the 
people for him, they carried his corpse on a sheet or bier, oa. 



460 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

their hands to Lebanon, where his earthly remains rest in the 
German Reformed grave yard — of which congregation he was 
pastor for twelve years. 

He lived in the religion he professed ; and wherever he was 
known, he was highly and universally esteemed. He died in 
the meridian of a life of usefulness; but in the triumph of his 
holy faith. 



mSTOHY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUKTIibS. 461 



THE ROMAN CATHOLICS. 

The protestants of every denomination, says Gordon, held 
the Roman CathoUc communion in abhorrence; and the penal 
Jaws of England forbade the public exercise of that religion.* 

Even the liberal minded Wilham Penn \vas so much preju- 
diced against them, that it was with mucli reluctance he re- 
ceived any Roman Catholics into his province. They w-erc 
considered enemies of the country, and often charged as French 
emissaries to spy out the condition of English subjects; that for 
the public safety, some were imprisoned. 

As early as 1G89, Governor Blackwell, Deputy Governor 
of Pennsylvania, convened a Council and laid before the mem- 
bers thereof so7m rximors.\ He says: — "That ye reason of 
his calhnc: them to2:ether at this time wras to minde thera thai 
there had been formerly severall Rumors of danger from ye 
french & Indians, in conjunction with ye Papists, for ye Ruine 
of the Protestants in these parts, and of ye alarme formerl)- 
given, as if 9 thousand french & Indians w^ere then neare ap- 
proaching for yt purpose, upon wch ye Justices & Sheriff's of 
ye two Lower Countyes, with ye people thereof, had betaken 
themselves to armes for their defence; whereof he then gave, 
ye Councill an account, from ye Letters he reed out of ye' sil 
Countyes: as also of a Letter he had reed from one Capt Lc 
Tort, (a frenchman, living up in the Countrey,) agreeing there- 
with ; which they did not see any reason to give heed unto : — 
And further, to acquaint them yt he had lately reed a letter 
from Mr. Joshua Barkstead, out of Maryland, advertising there 
was sufficient proof that ye Papists in Maryland had been tarn- 
jeering with ye french and Northern Indians, to assist them to 
cutt off ye Protestants, or at least to reduce them to ye See of 
Rome, &c." 

» Gordon's Pa., 570. 

t Min. Prov. Council, i., p. 35T. 

39* 



462 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

It afterwards appeared, that the danger apprehended was 
not great from the "Indians and papists." It was only to 
"skare the women and children." 

Previous to 1730, not many Catholics resided in Pennsyha 
nia. The few that had been in the province prior to 1720, were 
occasionally visited by missionaries from Maryland. So novel 
in this province, was the mass, that when it was first celebra- 
ted in St. Joseph^s at Philadelphia, in 1733, it caused much 
agitation in the Provincial council, and Governor Gordon pro- 
posed to suppress it, as contrary to a statute of law 11 &, 12, 
William III. The Catholics claimed protection under the pro- 
vincial charter, and the council referring the subject to their 
superior at home, the Governor wisely resolved to suffer them 
to worship in Peace.* 

Numerous German Catholics emigrated to this province, the 
principal part of them settled at Goshenhoppen and in the low- 
er parts of Berks county. As early as 1755, they had a " very 
magnificent chapel at Goshenhoppen;" and shortly, on the de- 
feat of General Braddock by the French Catholics, they held 
"a large procession," which produced considerable excitement 
among the protestant population. They also had a priest at 
Reading, as early as 1755. 

Their number, no doubt, would have been much greater 
prior to 1776, had it not been for the oath of abjuration they 
were compelled to take and subscribe to gain admittance. This 
oath, it is believed, was unfavorable to the increase of the 
Catholic church here — none would subscribe that oath, and 
still adhere to the church. An extract from it will best show 
the nature of it. The following is from a paper, subscribed by 
James Read, March 17, 1745. 

" I, James Read, do swear that I do from my heart abhor, 
detest and abjure as impious and heretical, (bat damnable doc- 
trine and position, that princes excommXinicated or deprived by 
the Pope or any authority of the See of Rome, may be deposed 
or murdered by their subjects or any other whatsoever. 

"I, James Read, do solemnly and sincerely, in the presence of 
God, profess, testify and declare, that I do believe that, in the 
sacrament of the Lord's supper, there is not any trans-substan- 

* Gordon's Pa., 571. 

f See p. 151 and 15«. Provincial Records, Book N., 125. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 46'J 

tiation of the elements of bread and wine into the body and 
blood of Christ, at or before the consecration thereof by any 
person whatsoever, and that the invocation or adoration of the 
Virgin Mary or any other saint, and the sacrifice of the mass, 
as they are used in the church of Rome, are superstitious and 
idolatrous. And I do solemnly, in the presence of God, pro- 
fess, testify and declare, that I do make this declaration and 
every part thereot in the plain and ordinary sense of the words 
now read to me as they are commonly understood by Eng- 
lish Protestants, without any evasion, equivocation, or mental 
reservation whatsoever, and without any dispensation already 
granted me for this purpose by the Pope, or any person what- 
soever, or without any hope of such dispensation, from any 
person or authority whatsoever, or without thinking that I am 
or may be acquitted before God or man, or any other person 
or persons or power whatsoever should dispense with or annul 
the same, and declare that it was null and void from the be- 
binning." 

The Catholics have three chapels in Berks and one in Leba- 
non county. The present one in Reading was erected in 1791. 
The Revd. Steinbacher is officiating priest. He is a man highly 
esteemed by those among whom he ministers. 



THE EPISCOPALIANS. 

At an early period, in the province of Pennsylvania, the 
Episcopalians became numerous, and were increased by those 
who seceded from the Quakers under George Keith, in the year 
1691. 

George Keith had been an eminent preacher and writer 
among the Quakers for many years, and had published several 
well written treatises in defence of their religious principles ; 
but afterwards seceded, and joined the Episcopal clergy in 
England, and served them for some time, as a vicar, ordained 
by the Bishop of London; he afterwards returned to America, 
when, as a clergyman, in orders, he ofnciated in this newfunc- 



464 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

tion. He drew many of the Quakers after him, and most cf 
them joined the Episcopal church. 

As early as 1710, Christ Church in Philadelphia was found- 
ed, and in 1717, the Rev. Mr. Wayman, missionary to the 
Welsh settlements of Radner and Oxford, frequently visited 
Pequea, Conestoga and Indian settlements, within the bonds of 
Lancaster county. He baptised many children of Quakers, and 
some who had been Quakers. 

Episcopal churches were erected in several parts of the pro- 
vince prior to 1745 ; but neither their pastors nor their con- 
oregations were distinguished by zeal in making converts, and 
their churches were chiefly sustained by the accessions of mem- 
bers from England, and the progress of natural increase. 

We cannot say with any definitiveness when the first Epis- 
copal congregation was organized in Berks and Lebanon coun- 
ties. It is probable that immediately before, or shortly after" 
the'revolution, a church v/as organized at Molatton. 

The congregation at Reading vras organized within the last 
thirty years. The present church was erected in 1826. For 
the want of furnished statistics, so kindly promised us, neither 
the number of churches, nor ministers in the counties of Berks 
and Lebanon, can be stated — probably tM^o or three of each. 
The Rev. R. U. Morgan officiates at present at Reading. 



THE PRESBYTERIANS. 

Previous to 1688 but few Presbyterians had become residents 
of the British provinces in America. The Rev. Jedediah An- 
drews, from New England, settled in Philadelphia, about the 
year 1701. He was the first Presbyterian minister in Penn- 
sylvania. In 1706, a primary ecclesiastical union of the Ame- 
rican Presbyterians was formed. It was the Presbytery of 
Philadelphia, and consisted of seven ministers — Samuel Davis, 
John Hampton, Francis McKemie, (the first Presbyterian mi- 
nister on the continent,) and George McNish, all of Ireland, 
and residing in Maryland. Nathaniel Taylor settled at Upper 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 



465 



Marl'oorough, and John Wilson officiating at Newcastle, both 
irom Scotland, and Jedediah Andrews, of Philadelphia. To 
wdiom was added John Boyd, stationed at Freehold, the first 
candidate who was ordained by that presbytery, on October 
29, 1706. From that time onward, they increased in numbers, 
respectability and influence. At present there is scarce a county 
in Pennsylvania where Presbyterian churches ai'e not to be 
found. For many years they labored principally, if not wholly, 
among the Scotch,*Irish and English; but within the last twen- 
ty-five years, they have succeeded to organized congregations 
in German communities, where their congregations are com- 
posed of English and Germans. 

About the year 1736, 37. The Rev. John Elder, a Scotch- 
man, settled west of the Conewago hills, towards the Susque- 
hannah, and preached for fifty-six years. His labors extended 
into the settlements of the western part of Lebanon county. 

It is very probable, that in 174-), when the Ilev. David 
Brainerd visited the Indians on the Susquehanna, he may have 
visited the Rev. Elder, and his congregation. 

Nearly twenty years ago, the Rev'ds Finney, Patterson, 
and others visited Berks county, whose efforts eventuated in 
the organization of a congregation in the Borough of Reading. 
In 1824, the present church in Reading, was erected— the 
congregation is in a prosperous condition. The Rev. William 
Sterling is the present pastor. 



THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

This denomination took its rise in England about one hun- 
dred years ago; and in the year 1766 the first Methodist So- 
ciety was established in the city of New York. Their first 
preacher was Mr. Philip Embury, who was subsequently as- 
sisted by a Mr. Webb. He occasionally visited Philadelphia, 
preaching the gospel of Christ. From that time onward, this 
Society increased in numbers, respectability and usefulness, so 
that there is scarce a township, within the wide range of the 



466 HISTORY OP BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

inhabited parts of United States, where their influence is not 
teen — every where are men found of this denomination. 

At what time minister were sent forth in this region of coun- 
try, to itinerate and proclaim the glad tidings of the gospel, we 
cannot state with any degree of certainty, but it is probable, it 
was between the years 1780 and 1790; for as early as 1781, 
the Lancaster circuit, which embraced part of what is now Le- 
banon county, was formed. 

The present church at Reading was erected in 1839, under 
the pastoral care of the Revd. Mr. Roach, then stationed here. 
The present pastor is the Revd. Mr. Koons. 

They have also a church at Lebanon, and about one hun- 
dred members. 'J he Revd. Greenbank has charge of this and 
several other congregations in this county. They have, pro- 
bably, somie six or eight houses of public worship in Berks and 
Lebanon county. They are on the increase. 



THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. 

This denomination is, comparatively, of recent origin. Its 
first regular systematic organization was in 1789, Vvhen a con- 
ference, for that purpose, was held in the city of Baltimore, 
attended by the following preachers — Revds. Vv^illiam Ottcr- 
bein, Martin Eoehm, George A. Geeting, Christian Newcom- 
er, Adam Lohman, John Ernst and Henry Weidner. For some 
years they were without a discipline. Shortly after the death 
of one of the most influential ministers who had met with them 
in 1789, a discipline containing the doctrines and rules for the 
government of the church, was presented at a conference held 
in 1815, at Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. It v;as adopted. 

Having adopted the itinerant system of sending out minis- 
ters, and nearly all of them preaching German, they made con- 
siderable progress among the Germans in these two counties. 
They have a number of meeting houses, and some four or five 
ministers here. Of these are the Revds. John Lichty and Cas- 
])er Lichty. 



HSSTTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 4f>7 



THE EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION. 

This denomination is sometimes called after its founder, Ja- 
cob Albrecht, "Albrecht's Leute." This sect was started 
about the year 1800, by the E,ev. Jacob Albright, whose asso- 
ciates were the Reverends John Walker, George Miller, and 
others. Mr. Albright, not unUke the Methodists, commenced 
travelling and preaching the gospel, and soon made converts 
among the Germans, in various parts of Pennsylvania. 

At present this denomination has some six or eight meeting 
places, besides some churches in Berks and Lebanon counties- 
The Revds. Danner and Sailor are ministers amons: them. 



THE UNIVERSALISTS. 

As a denomination, Universalists began their organization in 
England, about 1750, under the preaching of the Rev. John 
Kelly, who gathered the first church of believers in that senti- 
ment, in the city of London. 

The introduction into America, was by a Mr. John Murray, 
who had been converted from Methodism by the preaching of 
Mr. Kelly. Mr. Murray emigrated into this country in 1770, 
and soon after preached his peculiar viev/s in various places in 
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island and 
Massachusetts, and thus became the founder of the denomina- 
tion. 

Dr. George De Benneville, of Germantown, Pa., a learned 
and pious man, was a believer, and probably j says the Revd. 
A. B. Grosh, published the edition of SiegvoWs Everlasting 
Gospel, a universalist work, which appeared in 1763. Since 
that time, and Murray's preaching occasionally in Pennsylva- 
nia, the doctrine has spread generally through the United 
States. 

The first society organized in Pa., was in 1787; the first 
meeting house built in 1808; first association held in 1829; 
convention in 1832. In Pennsylvania they have seventeen 
raeeting houses and twenty-four preachers. 



468 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Universalist churches are not numerous in these two coun- 
ties; there is but one in Berks. The Universalist church in 
Reading was built in 1830. Their former pastor was the Rev. 
John Parry. At present there is no stated pastor laboring 
here. We have not had the means to ascertain what number 
is actually connected with this church, in these counties, but 
it is reported, there are many w'ho avow universalist sentiments. 
These are their sentiments, briefly stated : 

I. "We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and 
New Testaments, contain a revelation of the character of God, 
and of the duty, interest and final destination of mankind. 

II. "We believe that there is one God, whose nature is love: 
revealed in one Lord Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of grace, 
who will finally restore the whole world of mankind to holi- 
ness and happiness. 

III. "We believe that holiness and true happiness are inse- 
parably connected; and that believers ought to be careful to 
maintain order and practice good works; lor these things are 
good and profitable unto man." 



CHURCH OF GOD. 

This denomlnallon was formally organized in October, 1830, 
at Harrisburg. A meeting was held, of which tlie Rev. John 
Winebrenner was speaker, and the Rev. John Elliot, clerk, 
of Lancaster. Since that time they have increased till they 
number about fifty licensed preachers and six thousand church 
members in Pennsylvania — a few of whom are found in Leba- 
non county — principally m and about Millerstown. 



THE BAPTISTS. 



This denomination has made, within the last ten or fifteen 
years, efforts to organize congregations in Berks county. The} 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 469 

have succeeded to build several churches. Their first meeting 
house was in Reading, near the Schuylkill river ; but as the lo- 
cation was considered rather unfavorable, they abandoned that, 
and erected another, in Chestnut street, in 1837. At that 
time tne Reverend E. M. Parker was pastor. Their pastors 
have been the Rev'ds Parker, Philips, and Davidson — at pre- 
sent they are building a church in the eastern part of Berks 
county. Their number is steadily increasing. 



AFRICAN CHURCHES. 



Of these there are three in the Borough of Reading : — The 
Union African church, the Presbyterian African church, and 
the Methodist African church. In the African churches, says 
Stable, there are regular meetings on the Sabbath, accompa- 
nied with the usual religious exercises, and a pretty strict course 
of church discipline; with what results, may be partly gathered 
from the general good character, and industrious, steady habits 
of our colored population. 



40 



CHAPTER VIII. 



HISTORY OF THE PRESS 



Four years after William Penn's first arrival in America, 
William Bradford, from Leicester, England, commenced print- 
ing, at Kensington, near Philadelphia. This was in 1686. Mr. 
Bradford removed from Piiiladelphia to New York in 1693. 

The first newspaper published in Pennsylvania, was com- 
menced by Andrew Bradford, in 1719, entitled "The American 
Weekly Mercury." Nine years afterwards, another paper was 
Started by Mr. Keimer; the paper was called " The Universal 
Instructor in all arts and sciences, and Pennsylvania Gazette." 
This paper afterwards fell into the hands of Benjamin Franklin. 

In 1739 Christian Sower commenced the pubhcation of a 
paper, once a quarter. After some time it was printed month- 
ly; but after 1744, it was printed every week, under the title 
of " the Germantown Gazette," by C. Sower, jr. 

It is worthy of remark that C. Sower, sen., cast his own 
type, and made his own ink. Sower published first in the 
United States, a quarto bible, in German. 

The first newspaper pubhshed in Reading, called the " Neue 
Unpartheyische Zeitung," was issued February 18th, 1789, by 
Messrs. Johnston, Barton and Yungman, The "Adler" was 
first issued by Jacob Snyder & Co., the 17th of January, 
1797, and is still published, though much enlarged, by the Hon. 
John Ritter and Charles Kessler, Esq. This paper has an 
extensive circulation in Berks, and some of the adjacent coun- 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 471 

ties. It is the political expositor of the Democratic party of 
Berks county. 

" The Berks and Schuylkill" is the oldest English newspa- 
per printed in Reading ; the first number appeared June 17, 
1816, and is now owned and published by John S. Richards, 
Esq. It is the organ of the Whigs. 

" The Democratic Press," owned and conducted by Samuel 
Myers, Esq., and "The Jefferson Democrat," by Joel Ritter, 
Esq., are both devoted to the cause of Democracy. 

"The Reading Grazette," hitherto neutral, is owned by the 
Messrs. Getz and Boyer. 

" The LiberaJe Beobachter," by A. Puwelle, Esq., and "Alt 
Berks," by William Schoener, Esq., are both German papers. 

" The Hamburger Schneljpost und allgemeiner deutscher 
Anzeiger," published at Harrisburg, by Mahlon A. Sellers, Esq. 

The oldest paper in the town of Lebanon, is " Der Wahre 
Deraokrat und Volks-Advokat," by Joseph Hartman, Esq. This 
paper has reached its 29th Jahrgang. 

" The Libanon Demokrat" is published by J. P. Sanderson, 
Esq. 

" The Lebanon Courier," by George Frysinger, Esq. 

There is also a small German sheet published at Myerstown, 



SOCIETIES, CHARITABLE AND LITERARY — LIBRARIES.* 

"It has been justly observed, that Reading is distinguished 
lor the number of its societies, and the facility with which a 
society, for any purpose, may be started. An incredible num- 
ber of associations have at one time or another had an existence, 
some of Avhich were of an absurd or ludicrous character. A 
large portion of them, however, were as readily abandoned as 
they were inconsiderately formed ; insomuch that now, when a 
new association is announced, it is scarcely expected to sustain 
more than an ephemeral existence. This, however, is not the 
case with all ; a part of those that were valuable, have survived 

* Taken from the Stahle's description of Reading, in 184J, 



472 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

for a number of years; and a few perhaps that are not of much 
value. 

"In enumerating the societies of Reading, I shall follow the 
excellent classification of a writer in the ierks and Schuylkill 
Journal whom I have had already had occasion to quote: — 
"In Reading," he says, "we have now, or have had, the Ma- 
sonic Fraternity and the Dorcas Society. The Red Men and 
the Soup Society. The Native Men and the Female Coterie. 
The Odd Fellows and the Sewing Society. The Masonic 
Fraternity and the Maternal Association. The Concert Club 
and the Tea Party jollifications. The Garrick Association and 
the Thespian Board. The Benevolent Society and the Free 
Trades' Union. The Frankhn, Cordwainers, and Berks coun- 
ty Beneficial Societies. The Cabinet, Youth's Institute, Junior 
Association, Apprentices' Company, Mechanics' Institute, Me- 
chanics' and Workingmen's Society, William Penn Institute, 
besides Bible, Education, Missionary, Sabbath School, Tract, 
Temperance, Colonization, Debating and other Societies. 

"A lar^e number of the above societies are long- since de- 
funct; and many more ;ire in a very sickly condition. A few 
of them deserve a more particular notice." 

" Masonic Fraternity. — The following account of this insti- 
tution in Reading, was politely furnished by a gentleman who 
stands high in the Order. " The Masonic Order was established 
in Reading as early as 1794, under a warrant from the Right 
Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The late William 
Bell, Esq., had the honor of being its first presiding officer. — 
Lodge No. 62, has ever embraced in its members some of the 
most respectable persons of Reading, and the county of Berks. 
There are now eighty-eight active members of the Lodge, besides 
a number of honorary members. — Chapter No. 152, holds its 
warrant from the Right Worshipful Grand Holy Royal Arch 
Chapter of Pennsylvania. This body is also in a very flour- 
ishing condition. The members of the Order contemplate erect- 
ing a Masonic Temple for their greater convenience, and the 
ornament of the Borough.'" 

" The Garrick Association of Reading. — This Dramatic 
Association was formed several years ago, and has been contin- 
ued in operation with a good share of prosperity to the present 
time. They have a hall in the old academy building, neatly 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 473 

fitted up and furnished for their performances. The society 
numbers about twenty members — all young men of the borough 
of Reading, pf very respectable families, ajid gopd standing in 
society." 

" The Cabinet. — This association was foriped ab;Out three; 
years ago. Its design was to promote research and diffuse 
information upon scientific subjects, through the medium of lec- 
tures by the members. A small, bi^t; well chosen, chemical and 
other apparatus, and a collection of minerals were obtained : 
and the exertions of the associalion have been attended with 
interest and profit, to the members and others. Lectures are 
delivered regularly every Thursday evening during the fall and 
winter, and meetings for the transaction of business are held 
once a month during the remainder of the year. Several mem- 
bers have occasionally assisted in lecturing, but this duty has 
fallen principally upon Dr. J. P. Hiester, whose lectures and 
experiments upon chemistry have proved peculiarly interestino- 
to the young, to whose interest and apprehension he has the 
happy faculty of explaining the most abtruse parts of the 
science." 

" William Peym Institute. — This association has been in ex- 
istence several years, under the name of the Jtimor .Associa- 
tion. A short time since, the plan and constitution of the so- 
ciety were somewhat altered, and the present title adopted. It 
is composed principally of clerks in our stores, and } oung me-. 
chanics, and embraces a large number of young men, who are 
anxious for their own and each other's intellectual improve- 
ment. The debates of this society are held weekly in a con- 
venient room, which they have elegantly furnished for their 
use, and which also serves them as a reading room. They 
have the present season got up a course of popular lectures, de- 
livered by eminent men of this and other places, the avails of 
which are to be appropriated to increasing the library of the 
Institution." 

"Mechanics' Institute. — This Society was formed between 
one and two years ago, and is composed chiefly of mechanics 
and apprentices. Feeling the importance of mental cultivation 
to them as men and members of society, and acknowledginp- 

40* ^' 



474 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

their deficiencies in this respect, they associated themselves 
with the view of promoting their mutual improvement. They 
are organized under an appropriate constitution and bye-laws, 
to which strict obedience is rendered. Debates, Lectures, Es- 
says and Recitations are among their weekly exercises, and are 
conducted with a zeal and good feeling honorable to the mem- 
bers, and ensuring a high degree of success in the object for 
which they are associated. The formation of a library is em- 
braced in the plan of this society." 

" Libraty Companies. — There are three libraries in Reading, 
one German and two English. 

The German Library contains a large number of well select- 
ed works, but is not at the present time open to the use of the 
public. It is said that the Company is indebted to two or 
three individuals, who have adopted the course of sequestering 
the library for the security of their money. How long this 
valuable collection of books will be suffered to remain in its 
present precarious condition, or what disposition will finally be 
made of it, it is difficult to conjecture." 

"The Reading Library, is a large collection, containing 
many valuable and standard works. There are, however, en- 
tirely too many novels; and a large portion of the other works 
are rather ancient. These, however, are valuable, and if some 
of the trashy novels and romances were cleared from the shelves, 
and their places supplied with judiciously chosen modern works, 
this would become a most excellent library." 

^^ Franklin Library. — This library was formed to supply a 
want that had been for many years seriously felt in Reading, 
of some collection of useful books, which, by the low terms of 
access, might be placed within the reach of all, especially of 
the young who have a desire to read. The expense of mem- 
bership is only fifty cents a year, which admits the individual 
to the use of a choice selection of about two hundred volumes 
— all useful and instructive works. This trifling sum may be 
easily afforded by every person, and serves, through mere force 
of the idea of possessing a share, to give the members a greater 
interest in the library, and make them more likely to improve 
its benefits, than if admission were gratuitous ; and at the same 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 475 

time, being carefully applied to the purchaseof newbooks, it is 
sufficient to procure, in the course of a few years, an extensive 
and most valuable library. This institution has been in opera- 
tion a little more than a year, and from the number of members 
and the extent to which the books are read, it seems to be well 
answering the purpose for which it was designed." 

"Besides the above, there is a Circulating Library, kept by 
Mr. Harper. There are a good many excellent books in this 
collection, but a much larger share of novels and other light 
reading; and, unfortunately, this is the portion most read." 



CHAPTER IX. 



MISCELLANEOUS 



MAINTENANCE OF THE POOR. 

Both counties have their Poor-Houses. An act was passed 
in 1824 for the maintenance of the poor of Berks county. The 
house is on a farm called "Angelica," formerly the property 
and residence of Governor Thomas Mifflin, of four hundred and 
eighty acres of superior land, three miles south-west of Read- 
ing. " The building was erected during 1824-5, the dimen- 
sions of which are as follows : The central building is 105 feet 
by 40, with a wing at each end by 42 and 27 feet ; the w^hole 
building is two stories high. 

" The first pauper was admitted on the 21st Oct. 1825, and 
on January 1st, 1826, the house contained one hundred and 
thirty inmates. Abram. Knabb was the first steward — served 
eight years. Henry Boyer was next appointed — served five 
years. Marshall B. Campbell served one year ; and Daniel 
KaufFman, the present able steward, was appointed in 1839, 
The first Board of Directors elected, consisted of John Beiter- 
man, one year; Daniel K. Hotterstein for two years, and Daniel 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 477 

Bright for three years. The present Directors are Jacob 
W. Seitzinger, Abraham Kerper, and Daniel Baum. 

" In 1837 an Hospital was put up 62 by 40 feet, two stories 
high. In 1843 another building was erected for the accommo- 
tion of the insane, 80 by 50 feet, two stories high. This build- 
ing occupies the place or spot formerly taken up by the ok! 
Mansion, in which Gov. Mifflin, at one time, lived. 

" Drs. Isaac Hiester and John B. Otto were appointed con- 
sulting Physicians. The present Consulting Board, are Drs. 
John B. Otto and William Gries. In 1625, Oct. 17, Doctors 
Banson and C. Baum, were appointed attending Physicians. 
The present ones are Drs. C. H. Plunter and P. F. Nagle. 
The number of inmates is 150 — the number varies through the 
year from 150 to ISO — the sick average about 25 through the 
year." 



THE LEBANON POOR-HOUSE. 

A farm was purchased pursuant to an act of the Legislature, 
passed the 16th of April, 1830, it contains one hundred and 
seventy acres of excellent limestone land, about a mile and a 
half east of the borough of Lebanon, on the south side of the 
Reading turnpike, and on the head of the Quitopahilla. There 
are tine buildings on the farm. The Poor-house is 114 feet 
long by 40 wide ; there is, also, besides other suitable bu Idings, 
a large two-story one. The affairs are well managed. 



THE COURTS OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

1. The Court of Common Pleas. — It is composed of a Pres- 
ident and two Associate Judges. The Court can be held by the 
President alone, or by the two Associates. 

2. The Orphans' Cowt. — It is held by any two of the judges 
of the Court of Common Pleas. Its jurisdiction extends to the 
appointment of guardians; the accounts of executors, adminis- 
trators and guardians; the sale of decedents, real estate, &c. 

3.. The Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Jail De- 



478 niSTony of berks and Lebanon counties. 

livery. — It is composed of the JiyJges of the Court of Common 
Pleas; or of two of them, the President being one of the two. 

It has exclusive jurisdiction of cases of homicide, treason, 
sodomy, buggery, rape, robbery, arson, burglary, mayhem, con- 
ceaUng the death of an illegitimate child, in such a manner as 
to prevent its being known whether the child was born dead 
or alive; also of certain second, or any subsequent offences: 
and it has concurrent jurisdiction with the Quarter Sessions 
of all other offences. 

4. The CoiD'f of Quarter Sessions of the Peace. — It is 
composed o$ any two of the Judges of the Court of Common 
Pleas. Its jurisdiction to all cases in the county, except those 
in which the court of Oyer and Terminer has exclusive juiis- 
diction. 

The Registers Court. — It is composed of the Register and 
any two of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas; and is 
convened in a case of a dispute on a will, or the right to ad- 
minister. 

The Judges at the present time for Berks county are, — the 
Honorable John Banks, President ; Matthias S. Richards, and 
John Stoufler, Esqs., Associates. 

The Judges for Lebanon are, — the Honorable Nathaniel B. 
Eldred, President ; John Shindel and Samuel Goshert, Esqs., 
Associates. 

The Court, and other officers for the county of Berks are, — 
Daniel Young, Prothonatory ; John Green, Register; Henry 
Maurer, Recorder; Wiiham Scheuer, Clerk of the Orphans' 
Court; John L. Rightmyer, Clerk of Quarter Sessions, Oyer 
and Terminer; Henry Nagle, Treasurer; William Arnold, 
Adam Leise, John Shooraan, County Commissioners; Joseph 
Hitter, Clerk to the County Commissioners. 



MEMBERS OV THE BERKS COUNTY BAR. 

John Biddle, Charles Evans, John S. Hiester, William Dar- 
ling, Charles Davis, Henry W. Smith, Edward P. Pearson, 
William C. Leavensworth, Elijah Deckert, David F. Gordon. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 



470 



Peter Filbert, James L. Dunn, Jacob Hoffman, Robert M. 
Barr, Joseph H. Spayd, Henry Rhoads, George M. Keim, 
William Strong, George G. Barclay, John Pringle Jones, John 
S. Richards, Dennis W. O'Brien, A. N. Sallade, George E. 
Ludwig, A. F. Miller, James Donegan, William Bets, Augus- 
tus F. Boas, Jeremiah Bitting, Samuel Sohl, Jeremiah Hage- 
man, George W. Arms, John K. Longnecker, Charles Wire- 
manj Henry Van Read, William M. Baird ; Mathias Minge!, 
H. A. Muhlenberg, jr., Isaac Keim, Robert Fraser.* 



LIST OF THE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE OF BERKS 
COUNTY.! 



Albany township. 

Alsace. 

Amity. 

Bern. 

(C 

Bern Upper. 

(C 

Bethel. 

(( 

Brecknock. 

(C 

Centre. 

Csernarvon. 

Colebrookdale. 



George Reagan 24 April, 1840. 

John Miller 1 May, 1840. 

John W. Burkhart 25 April, 1840. 

Daniel Spengler 30 April, 1842, 

Charles Parks 23 April, 1840. 

Solomon L. Custerd 1 May, 1840. 

Jacob Kline 6 May, 1843. 

Geres Hain 7 May, 1844. 

Henry Webber 11 May, 1840. 

Wm. Sherrer 4 May, 1843. 

Jacob Walborn 24 April, 1840. 

Charles S. Cummens 27 April, 1840. 

Jacob M. Becker 27 April, 1840. 

John M. Dewees 2 May, 1840. 

Jacob Miesse 27 April, 1840. 

George K. Haag 1 May, 1840. 

David Finger 27 April, 1840. 

James E. Wells 30 April, 1840. 

Israel R. Laucks 27 April, 1840. 



* As the names of the members of the Lebanon county Bar, have not 
beenjfurnished as yet, they will be given in the list of subscribers in the 
Borough of Lebanon — to which the reader is referred. 

f This list was kindly furnished by Chas. Kessler, Esq., Ed. of the 
«■' Adler." 



4S0 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 



Cumru township. 


Charles H. Addams 


District. 


Joseph Kemp 


Douglas. 


Henry Feery 


a 


Jacob Levengood 


Exeter. 


John Guldin 


(( 


Jacob Gile 


Earl. 


Daniel Clouser 


a 


Abraham Hill 


Greenwich. 


Peter Kline 


(( 


John Wagenhorst 


Hamburg Borough. 


Israel Derr 


Heidelberg Lower. 


Thos H. Jones 


a 


David W. Eirich, 


Heidelbei'g Upper. 


Jonathan L. Reber, 


i( 


George Schoch 


Hereford. 


Adam Mensch 


(( 


George K. Rohrbach 


Kutztown Borough. 


Jacob Graetr 


(( 


Charles Weirman 


Long-swamp. 


Jonathan Haas 


iC 


William Trexler 


Maiden-creek. 


Jacob Forney jr. 


a 


John E. Addams 


Maxatawny. 


John Kemp 


iC 


David K. Hottenstine 


Gley. 


William Stapleton 


i'i 


Henry H. Mowrer 


Pike. 


Samuel Lobach 


cc 


Daniel Cleaver 


Penn. 


Daniel Billman 


Reading, North ward William Schoener 


a 


William Betz 


Reading, South ward David Medary 


Richmond. 


William Lesher 


(( 


Reuben Shall 


Robeson. 


Evan Evans 


ei 


Abraham Eargood 


Rockland. 


Wm. Brentzighoff 


(( 


Lewis F. Kaufman 


Ruscombmanor. 


Daniel Buskirk 


(( 


Solomon Hollenbush 



14 April, 1840. 

14 April, 1840- 
20 April, 1840. 
25 April, 1840. 

27 April, 1840. 
11 May, 1841. 
25 April, 1840. 

7 May, 1841. 

28 April, 1840. 
28 April, 1840. 

27 April, 1840. 
16 April, 1840. 
25 April, 1840. 

24 May, 1843. 
19 June, 1843. 

15 April, 1840. 
6 May, 1840. 

28 April, 1840. 

16 April, 1844. 

5 May, 1840. 

25 May, 1843. 
24 April, 1840. 

8 July, 1843. 
4 May, 1843. 

15 April, 1844. 

16 April, 1840. 
16 April, 1840. 

14 April, 1840. 
27 April, 1840. 

8 July, 1842. 
30 April, 1840. 
10 April, 1841. 

15 April, 1844. 
27 July, 1840. 
10 May, 1843. 
80 April, 1840. 
30 April, 1844. 
30 April, 1840. 

6 May, 1840. 
10 July, 1841. 
13 July, 1841. 



BISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 



481 



Tulpehocken twp. 
(( 

Tulpehocken Upper. 

a 

Union. 

a 

Windsor. 
Washington. 
Womelsdorf Borough. 



Frederick Muth, jr. 
Adam Schoener 
John Potteiger 
John Riegel 
Jacob Rahn 
Caleb Harrison 
Samuel Hoffman 
James Anderson 
Frederick Sigmund 
Daniel S. Schultz 
John Vanderslice 
Emanuel H. Hackman 



80 May, 1840. 
15 Aug. 1840. 

14 April, 1840. 
30 May, 1840. 

1 May, 1830. 

27 June, 1840. 

1 May, 1840. 

15 May, 1840. 
22 April, 1840. 
29 April, 1842. 
13 April, 1840. 
13 May, 1844. 



LIST OF SENATORS AND TIME OF ELECTION OF BERKS. 

From 1790 to 1808, Berks and Dauphin counties constituted 
one senatorial district. 

1790, Joseph Hiester and John Gloninger. Gloninger de- 
cUned Dec. 4, 1792, and John A. Hanna, was elected and took 
his seat, Dec. 5, 1792. 

1794, John Kean and Gabriel Hiester. 

1796, Christian Lower. 

1798, John Kean. 

1800, Christian Lower. 

].801, Henry Orth, in room of John Kean, \Vho resigned. 

1802, John Kean. 

1804, Gabriel Heister. 

1806, Melchior Rahn. 

1808, Berks alone a district — after 1812, Berks and Schuyl- 
kill counties one district. 

1808, Gabriel Hiester and John S. Hiester. 

1812, Peter Fraily and Charles Shoemaker, jr. 

1816, Peter Fraily and Marks John Biddle. 

1820, Conrad Fager and James B. Hubley^^. 

1824, George Schall and William Audenried. \ 

1828, David A. Bertolet and Jacob Krebs. 

1832, Paul Geiger and Jacob El^rebs. 
41 



483 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

1836, John Miller. 
1840, Samuel Fegely. 
1843, Samuel Fegely. 



REPRESENTATIVES FROM BERKS COUNTY. 

The time when members were elected is given. Sessions 
were usually fall and M'inter sessions. Elections, with few ex- 
ceptions, for Representatives, were always held in October. 

For 1752, Moses Starr; 1753, Moses Starr; 1754, Moses 
Starr; 1755, Francis Parvin; 1756, John Potts — June 27, re- 
turned in the room of Francis Parvin ; 1756, Thomas Yorke ; 
1757, Thomas Yorke; 1758, James Boone; 1759; 1760, 
1761, John Potts; 1762, 1763, 1764, John Ross; 1765, 1766, 
A.dam Witman; 1767, 1768, 1769, 1770, Edward Biddle; 
1771, 1772, 1773, 1774, 1775, Edward Biddle and Henry 
Christ; 1776,1777,1778, 1779, 1780, Henry Hal ler, John 
Lesher, Edward Biddle and Henry Christ. 

1781, Baltzer Gehr, Gabriel Hiester, Daniel Hunter, Benja-^ 
min Weiser, Joseph Hiester and JohnBishop. 

1782, Daniel Clymer, Christian Lower, Abraham Lincoln, 
John Ludwig, John Patton and George Ege. 

1783, Nicholas Lutz, Daniel Clymer, Christian Lower, 
Abraham Lincoln, John Rice and John Bishop. 

1784, Nicholas Lutz, Abraham Lincoln, Christian Lower, 
Henry Spyker, David Davis and Martin Rhoads. 

1785, Abraham Lincoln, Nicholas Lutz, Henry Spykei'. 
Philip Kreemer, Dcivid Davis, Baltzer Gehr. 

1786, Joseph Hiester, Philip Kreemer, Gabriel Hiester, David 
Davis, Daniel Clymer. 

1787, Charles Biddle, Joseph Hiester, Gabriel Hiester, David 
Davis, Joseph Sands. 

1788, Joseph Hiester, Gabriel Hiester, Joseph Sands, Daniel 
Brodhead, John Ludwig. 

1789, John Ludwig, Joseph Hiester, Joseph Sands Nicholas 
Lutz, Daniel Leinbach. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 483 

1790, John Ludwig, Nicholas Lutz, James Collins, Qabriel 

Hiester, Daniel Clymer. ^ , ^ t u t j ;^ 

1791, Charles Shoemaker, Paul Groscop, John Ludwig, 
Nicholas Lutz, Baltzer Gehr. 

1792 The whole of the members of 1791 re-elected, and 
also in i793, except John Ludwig, in whose place Christian 

Lower was elected. t i. r>u • ♦ t^i,« 

1794, Paul Groscop, Charles Shoemaker, John Christ, John 

* ^1795, /ohrChrit'' Paul Groscop, Charles Shoemaker, Balt- 
zer Gehr, Christian Lower. , n ^ i? -i w;i 

1796, Paul Groscop, Charles Shoemaker Peter Frailey,Wik 

ham Lewis, Baltzer Gehr. 

1797, All the members of 1796, re-elected. 

1798, Peter Fraily, Charles Shoemaker, Daniel Udree, Dan 1 
Rose, Baltzer, Gehr. ^ , . , ^ i 

1799, All re-elected except Baltzer Gehr, m whose stead 
William Witman was elected. 

1800, All of 1799, re-elected. .. • , r. r. m 

1801, Gabriel Hiester, William Witman, Daniel Rose, Dan 1 
Udree, Frederick Smith, 

1802, All of 1801, re-elected. ^ , . , „. , „,.„• 

1803, Jacob Roads, Isaac Adams, Gabriel Hiester, William 

Witman, Daniel Rose. i ^ t. j t ^i 

1804, Daniel Udree, Wilham, Witman, Jacob Roads, Jacob 

Epler, Isaac Adams. . ■„ v ^ t ^k 

1805, Daniel Rose, Elias Radcay, Valentine Probst, Jacob 

Shaeffer, John Bishop. . 

1806, all re-elected except John Bishop, in whose place Dan^ 

iel loder was elected. -r.^ t^ i -n i 

1807, the same re-elected, except Ehas Radcay— Bernard 
Kepner was elected in his stead. 

1808, Jacob Snyder, David Kirby, Jacob Roads, James 
M'Larland, John M. Hyneman. _.,,,., ,, „ ,, 

1809, Peter Fraily, John Spayde, David Kirby, Adam Ruth, 
Charles Shoemaker, jr. ^ . •, -r. r^ ^ 

1810, Conrad Feger, David Kirby, Darnel Rose, George 

Schall, Adam Ruth. _ . , ,^ -r^ -j tz- 

1811, Peter Fraily, Conrad Feger, David Rose, David Jiir- 
by, Charles Shoemaker. 

1812, (from 1812 to 1829, Berks and Schuylkill formed one 



484 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

Election District,) John Miller, Jacob Krebs, John Addams^ 
Conrad Feger, Jacob Sassaman. 

1813, Jacob Krebs, Conrad Feger, George Marx, John 
Addams, Jonathan Hudson, 

1814, John Miller, David Kirby, Jacob Dreibelbis, Daniel 
Kerper. Daniel Rhoads, jr. 

1815, Christian Haldeman, Jacob Epler, Daniel Rhoads, 
David Hottenstein. 

1816, William Shoener, Godfried Roehrer, Daniel Rhoads, 
David Kirby, Michael GraefF. 

1817, Joseph Good, Jacob Levan, Elisha Geiger, Jacob 
Greisemer, Michael GraefF. 

1818, Jacob Levan, Joseph Godd, John Neikerch, Michael 
GraefF, Jacob Greisemer. 

1819, John Kohler, GodFried Roehrer, Abraham Mengel, 
John W. Roseberry, George Gernant. 

1820, George Gernant, Samuel Jones, Joseph Good, Jacob 
Rahn, Jacob Schneider. 

1821, Daniel Rhoads, David Hottenstein, William Addams, 
John Gehr, John Neikerk. 

1822, William Addams, John Gehr, David Hottenstein, God- 
fried Roehrer ,(William Audenried. j 

1823, William Adams, David Hottenstein, Henry Royer, 
James Everhart, (William Audenried. 

1824, James Everhart, George Rahn, Jacob Gehr, Henry 
Boyer, George U. Odenheimer. 

1825, ames Everhart, Henry Boyer, Daniel A. Bertolet, 
Michael GraefF. 

1S26, Henry Boyer, Daniel A. Bertolet, David Hottenstein, 
Philip A. Good, George Rahn. 

1827, Daniel A. Bertolet, George Rahn, Philip A. Good, 
Mordecai Lewis — [no election for the fifth member was ef- 
fected.] 

1828, John StaufFer, Thomas L Rohrer, Geo. Kline, Paul 
Geiger, Philip A. Good. 

1829, (Berks alone a district) Thomas J. Rohrer, John 
StaufFer, John Wanner. 

1830, Paul Geiger, John StaufFer, John Wanner, John Pot- 
teiger. 

1831, John Wanner, John Potteiger, William High, Henry 
Boyer. 

t 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 485 

1832, John Potteiger, Peter Kline, jr. Benjamin Tyson, Ja-. 
cob U. Snyder. 

1833, the same re-elected, except Benjamin Tyson, in whose 
stead Adam Schoener was elected. 

1834, Lewis W. Richards, William Hottenstein, John Ul- 
rich, John Jackson. 

1835, John Ulrich, John Jackson, William Hottenstein, John 
Sheetz. 

1836, Samuel Fegely, John Sheetz, John Jackson, Michael 
K. Boyer. 

1837, Samuel Fegely, Jacob Walborn, Abraham Hill, James 
Gei^er. 

1838, Adam Schoener, Jacob Walborn, Abraham Hill, Sa- 
muel Fegely. 

1839, Adam Schoener, Henry Flannery, Peter Filbert, Dan- 
iel B. Kutz. 

1840, Daniel B. Kutz, Robert M. Barr, Samuel Moore, 
Henry Flannery. 

1841, Samuel Moore, John Shenk, John Potteiger, John 
Bauchman. 

1842, the same re-elected. 

1843, John Potteiger, H. W. Smith, John C. Evans, Alfred 
J. Harman. 



LIST OF SENATORS FROM LEBANON COUNTY. 

From I8l4, Dauphin and Lebanon have been a District. 

I8l4, John Forster. 

I8l8, John Sawyer. 

1822, John Andrew Shulze. In 1823 Shulze was nominated 
ibr Governor, when he resigned, and John Harrison elected in 
his stead, who also declined, and Adam Ritscher was elected 
for the unexpired terra. 

1826, George Seltzer. 

1830, Jacob Stoever, 

1834, John Harper. 

41* 



486 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

1838, John Killinger. He resigned in l84l, when Levi Kline 
was elected for the rest of the term. 
1842, Levi Khne. 



LIST OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM LEBANON COUNTY. 

Lebanon and Dauphin counties were one District in l8l3 and 
l8l4; afterwards Lebanon was a District. 

1813, Amos Ellmaker, Peter Shindel, and David Ferguson. 

1814, Peter Bucher, Peter Shindel, and Jacob Goodhart. 

1815, '16, Jacob Goodhart and John Sawyer. 

1817, John Harrison and John Uhler. 

1818, George Seltzer and Adam Ritscher. 

1519, Adam Ritscher and John Uhler. 

1520, Joseph Barnett and John Uhler. 

1821, John Harrison and John Andrew Shulze. 

1822, George Seltzer and Adam Ritscher. 

1823, George Orth and Gotlieb Seltzer, 

1824, '25, James Bell and Charles Gleim. 

1826, James Bell and Philip Wolfensberger. 

1827, Philip Wolfensberger — Charles Gleim and Peter Shin- 
del, each had 453 votes; neither of them elected. 

1828, Peter Shindel and Philip Wolfensberger. 

1829, Isaac Meyers. 

1830, WilHam Reily. 

1831, '32, '33, David Mitchell. 
1834, '35, John Krause. 

1836, George Weidman. 

1837, John Killinger. 
1888, '39, Gotlieb Kintzel. 
1840, '41, John Brunner. 
1842, '43, Daniel Stine. 



Delegates to the Provincial meeting of Deputies, chosen by 
the several counties &c., held at Philadelphia, July 15, 1774. 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 4S7 

From Berks — Edward Biddle, Daniel Broadhead, Jonathan 

Potts, Thomas Dundas, Christopher Schultz. 



Provincial Committee for Pennsylvania, held at Philadelphia, 
January 23, 1755. 

Members from Berks — Edward Biddle, Christopher Schultz, 
Jonathan Potts, Mark Bird, John Patton, Baltzer Gehr and 
Sebastian Levan. 



Provincial Conference for Pennsylvania, held at Carpenter's 
Hall, Philadelphia, June 25, 1776. 

Delegates from Berks — Cols. Jacob Morgan, Henry Haller, 
and Mark Bird; Doctor Bodo Otto, Mr. Benjamin Spyker, 
Cols. Daniel Hunter, Valentine Eckert and Nicholas Lutz; 
Captain Joseph Hiester and Mr. Charles Shoemaker. 



Convention held at Philadelphia, July ^5, and continued by 
adjournment till the 2sth of September, 1776. 

From Berks — Jacob Morgan, Gabriel Hiester, John Lesher, 
Benjamin Spyker, Daniel Hunter, Valentine Eckert, Charles 
Shoemaker and Thomas Jones, jr. 



Council of Censors convened at Philadelphia, November 
10, 1783. 

Members for Berks county. — James Read and Baltzer 
Gehr. 



Convention to frame the Constitution of Pennsylvania, of 
1790 — commenced at Philadelphia, Nov. 24, 1-7S9, closed 
Feb. 5, 1790. 

Delegates from Berks — Joseph Hiester, Christian Lower, 
Abraham Lincoln, Paul Groscop and Baltzer, Gehr. 



45 S ffrSTOXY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES, 

Members of the Convention to propose amendments to the 
Constitution, which assembled at Harrisburg, May 2, 1S37. 

From Berks county — John Hitter, George M. Keim, Wil- 
liam High, and Mark Darrah. 

From Lebanon county — Jacob B. Weidman and George 
Seltzer, 



APPENDIX. 



3. 

On page 223, the reader was referred to this place for a full 
statement of the Paxton affair. 

The want of space, however, precludes a detailed account. 
The inhabitants of Lancaster and Berks counties being most 
exposed to the merciless Indians — these, having on numberless 
occasions, burnt dwellings, murdered with savage barbarity 
their helpless inmates, &c. The Paxtoxians and others, having, 
as they conceived, sufficient reason to believe that some of the 
Indians at Conestogue, or of Indian town, w-ere exceedingly 
treacherous, and were accessory to murders committed upon 
the whites, had their feelings aroused — they resorted to Manor 
township, Lancaster county, and on "Wednesday, the l4th of 
December, 1763, at day-break a number of them, on horseback, 
attacked the Indian village, and barbarously massacred some 
women and children, and a few old men; amongst the latter, the 
chief — Shaheas — who had always been distinguished for his 
friendship toward the whites." The majority of the Indian vil- 
lagers were abroad at the time of the attack. After slaying 
Shaheas, whose Indian name was Shea-e-hays, George or Wa- 
a-shen, Harry or Tee-kau-ly, Ess-ca-nesh a son of She-e-ha) s, 
Sally or Te-a-won-sha-i-ong, an old woman, and Ka-ne-un- 
qu-as, another woman — all who were at home, they set fire to 
huts, and most of them were burnt down. 

" The magistrates of Lancaster sent out to collect the sur- 
viving ones, brought them into town, for their better security 
against any further attempt, and it is said condoled with them 
on the misfortune that had happened, took them by the hand, 



490 EISTORY OF BERKS AtTD LEBANON COUNTIES. 

and promised them protection. They were put into a recently 
erected workhouse, a strong building, as the place of greatest, 
safety." 

Here they were not safe ; for on Tuesday, the 27th Decem- 
ber, 1763, the Paxtonians and others assembled in great num- 
bers in Lancaster, marched to the prison, forced the doors in, 
and, says Gordon, butchered all the miserable wretches they 
found within the walls. Unarmed and unprotected, the Indians 
prostrated themselves, with their children, before their murder- 
ers, protesting their innocence and their love to the English, 
and in this posture they all received the hatchet. 

Those slain in the prison were Captain John, whose Indian 
name was Ky-un-que-a-go-ah, Betty or Ko-wee-na-see, his 
ivife; Bill Soc or Ten-see-daa-qua, Molly or Ka-mi-an-guas. 
his wife; John Smith or Sa-qui-es-hat-tah, Peggy or Chee-na- 
wan, his wife; Qua-a-chon, Captain John's son; Jacob or Sha- 
ee-kah, a little boy; Ex-un-das, young Sheehay's boy; Christ- 
ley or Ton-qu-as, a boy ; Little Peter or Hy-ye-na-es, a boy ; 
Molly or Xo-qua-e-un-quas, a little girl ; Ka-ren-do-u-ah, a 
little girl ; Peggy or Ca-nu-ki-e-sung, a little girl. 

017" " The names were taken from Peggy, wife of John Smith 
and Betty, wife of Capt. John— by John Hays, Sheriff. See, 
Provincial Records, Be ok S., p. 456. 



ADDENDA 



*rhe following we received from Dr. John Breitenbach, just 
as this form was going to press. 

" Notes obtained from Mr. Peter Spangler, on the road lead- 
ing from this village (Myerstown) to Shaefferstown. Mr. S. is 
eighty-three years old. He says, that about eighty years ago, 
a Mr. Guschweg lived on the farm now owned by Mr. Jacob 
Kapp. About seventy-five years ago, a Mr. Gring lived on 
Mr. Bleistein's place. About one hundred years ago, a Mr. 
Dreher owned the farm of my informant, Peter Spangler, grand- 
son of Michael Spangler — about the same time Mr. Kissecker 
owned what is now John Elby's. A Mr. Duey lived on what 
is now William Haak's farm. 

"Mr. Jacob Blecher, furnished me with the names of some 
of the early settlers of " ifa.?e//cfcA," Hazel valley, so called 
from the abundance of hazels grown there. All the places 
spoken of above are in Jackson township. 

"William Becher originally occupied Isaac Blecher's place; 
Jost Hoffman owned Mr. Hibschman's; George Smith, George 
Krum's; John Roth, Henry Haak's; Mr. Bollman, now Mil- 
ler's at Muelbach district; Henry Strack, Jacob Wagner's. — 
These were all Germans from Wittenstein, Germany. 

"The foUowino; I obtained from Christian Walborn, ao^ed 
84 or 8-5: He says, that one hundred years ago, the following 
were original settlers, as much as is known in the eastern part 
of Jackson township. Mr. Kitzmiller occupied what is now 
Hochstedder's farm — had the only mill in this part of the coun- 
try. Christian Walborn originally owned John Tice's farm, 
below Myerstown; BatdorfF, old John Walborn's; Hoster, Mi- 



492 HISTORV OF BERKS AND LEBANOST COUNTlfiSi 

chael Reiser's; Lower or Lauer, the Rev. Daniel Ulrich's plan^ 
tation near the Berks county hne; Peter Diffenbach, what is 
now known as Peter Diff'enbach's; Etchberger, now Jacob 
Stewart's near Berks ; Weiser, known as Weiser's place. Some 
sixty years ago a Mr. John Tice owned Mohler's place. 

" Mr. Valentine Miller, residing in Myerstown, aged eighty 
three, learned when a lad, from his father, that the vicinity of 
Myerstown was first settled rising of one hundred years ago. — 
The first settlers were Bassler, Herchelroth, Musser, Stamgast, 
Ley, Immel, Bickel, Schell and others. The village itself was 
originally settled by the following persons, residing in the cen- 
tral part of the town — Christian Maurer, a mason, near the 
hill; Schnell, a weaver, both Moravians; Mr. Gasser, now 
Diehl's tavern; Hoffman, at old Kintzle'e house; Henry Brill, 
tailor, built and dwelt where Brehm now resides; Hussecker, 
a Swiss; Schuhmacher — this man had one of his children car- 
ried off. The child w^as returned to him after two years ab- 
sence. The house Mr. Schuhmacher erected by him is still 
standing, having, however) been raised to two stories, and is 
now occupied by a family of the name of Single; Nicholas Gast, 
a mason, where Isaac Noecker now resides. 

"The old German School house was also one of the first 
buildings of the place. Here seven persons were massacred and 
scalped — two women and five children; one woman made her 
escape though scalped ; another was hotly pursued by an In- 
dian, but escaped being killed — while the Indian was in the act 
of tomahawking her, a man not far off fired his pistol, at which 
the Indian was alarmed and ran off, leaving his victim. 

"A fort had been erected of palisades, hard by the road 
leading across the Blue mountain, at Umbenhacker's tavern, 
where usually a small body of Militia were stationed for the 
protection of the settlers. On one occasion all the men except 
five, had been absent, and the Indians being privy of the fact, 
made an attack upon the fort; and before the entrance to the 
fort icould be secured, the savages entered, and murdered all 
except one man — he fied, was pursued, having however con- 
cealed himself, and as an Indian in search of him neared him, 
he shot the Indian. He soon made off further, and met some 
of the militia, on their way to the fort, to whom he rela- 
ted what had transpired. To convince them that he had shot 
an Indian, which they seemed first to doubt, they went to the 



HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 493 

|)lacej where they found the body of the Indian covered with 
brushes* The Indian who it was supposed had concealed the 
body of his fellow, was seen by one of the soldiers, at a short 
distance, among some tall grass — he immediately shot him. 
Now, believing all was well, (but sad to state,) he received a 
deadly shot from a concealed savage. 

" Immediately below Myerstown, the first settlers v/ere Her- 
chelroth, (as stated above) Kuster, Noecker, Nicholas Miller, 
andPhiIipJBreitenbach,my great grand father. He'and Miller were 
direct from Germany — many of the other settlers were from 
Schoharie, in New York, though originally from Germany. 

" There was, on ray great-grandfatlier's farm, a block-house 
or fort, where, in time of danger, many took shelter. 

" To conclude, I Avould add the names of some Revolution- 
ary soldiers, &c. These were Martin VValborn, Leonard Eat- 
dorfF, Tice, Koppenhaver, Schwengel, George Spangler, Capt. 
Leonard Immel, Captain Stoeyer of Swatara, Jacob Spangler, 
iSergeant Gloninger of Lebanon, Peter Lein, John Kreitzer, 
Peter Hoster." 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 

Rosenthal, or Rose-valley, (more commonly known as Kess- 
ler's spring, or run,) is a romantic and beautiful dell formed by 
the depression of neighboring mountains, which elevate their 
wood-crowned sides and summits to the height of several hun- 
dred feet above the level of the valley, excluding the oppressive 
rays of the summer's sun for many hours of the day, and ren- 
dering the place a delightful residence during the hot months. 
A limpid stream of the purest water meanders through the val- 
ley, adding greatly to its rural beauty, and affording agreeable 
promenades along its banks. The valley is well set with lofty 
trees, the remnants of the natural forest, affording a contiguity 
of shade and preserving an agreeable temperature during the 
hottest weather. The mineral spring affords chalybeate water, 
which is considered highly beneficial in several complaints, and 
is promotive of general health. The improvements have been 
greatly extended, by additions made recently, and are sufucient 
42 



494 HISTORY OF BERKS AND LEBANON COUNTIES. 

to furnish accommodations to a large number of boarders. 
Plunging and Shower Baths are erected near the house, and 
the vicinity of the neighboring town will enable the proprietor 
to provide, at all times, whatever may be necessary to promote 
the health and comfort and gratify the tastes of his inmates. 
Reading, so well known for the beauty and salubrity of its sit- 
uation, and the excellence of its society, is but three hours ride 
from Philadelphia, over the best railroad in the Union, travers- 
ing a country unsurpassed for its fertility and beauty. 

" The waters," says Dr. Isaac Hiester, " I have found on 
examination with chemical re-agents, to contain iron, held in 
solution by carbonic acid gas, or fixed air, together with a small 
quantity of muriate of soda." 



READING MUSEUM. 

Since writing that portion which relates to Reading, Mr. C- 
S. Getz, proprietor of the Lancaster Museum, has also estab- 
lished one in the former place, which is highly spoken of; and, 
indeed, adds much to the place, A debt of gratitude, which 
should be well paid in money and kind offices, is due Mr. Getz, 
for his indefatigable efforts, both to instruct and amuse. 



INDEX. 



A. 

Alliwegi Indians, on the east of the Mississippi, 17 

Adam Reed — a company meets at his house, &c. 45 

Albany, eleven killed in, and eight burnt, 58 

Andrew John, his wife and child carried off, 72 

Appeal of the distressed to their fellow citizens, 75 

Albany township described, 122 
" " Indians commit cruel murders in it, 123-4 

" " Present boundary of, and statistics, 124 

Amity township, in Berks county, 125 

Adler office — the editor castigated, 165 

Armstrong John murdered at Juniata, 207^ 

Arnold Woodward murdered, 207 

Albert Frantz murdered by the Indians, 317 

Ains worth Samuel, his son taken captive, 326 

Annville township, 353 

African churches in Reading, 469 

Analysis of mineral water, by Dr. Hiester, 469 

b: 

JJerryhill William murdered by the Indians, 47 

Biddle Edward writes to his father, 50 

Bowers' house — a man found dead, 51 

Bethel township — murder committed there, 61 

Burns Adam John, his wife and three children killed, 67 



496 INDEX. 

PACE. 

Busse Captain goes to Shamokin, 68 

Babel Fort — murders committed near it, 69 
Boeshore Mathias fired at by an Indian, 64, 65, 3^1 

Beatty of Paxton township killed, 73 

Barnet William and Joseph wounded, 74 

Bell Thomas, his son, was killed and scalped, 74 
Burst Michael, notice of, 93, 303, 304 

Berks county, erection of in 1752, 117 

Bern township, in Berks county, 127 

Bethel township, Berks county, 131 
" murder committed in it, 131, 132 

" Moravian settlement in before 1755, 132 

Brecknock township, Berks county, 134 

Boyerstown, 137 

Bowman Matthias leader of the New-born, 233 

Bechtelsville, 255 

Berg Maria, epitaph by Daniel Bertolet, 260 

Bethel township, Lebanon county, 314 

Brand Mueller Johannes Rev. 315 

Barbara and Regina carried off by the Indians, 819 

Bowman Henry and Jacob tied by Indians, 334 

Bunker Hill, 350 

Breitenbach Philip 363 
Berks county oihcers and privates, attend at Lancaster, 893 

Brethren, religious history of, 424 

Bethlehem settled, 428' 

Bucher Conrad John Rev. 457 

Baptists, 468 

Bar, number of members in Berks county, 477 

Breitenbach's John Dr. communication, 490 

C. 

Candal Rudolph found scalped, 53, 131 

Conrad Peter, his mill set on fire by the Indians, 59 

Culmer Philip, his wife, and others killed, 67 

Claus Adam, his children scalped, 72 

Colebrookdale, Indian skirmish at, 96 

Charitable schools established, scheme of, 99 
Commissioners appointed to fix boundaries of Berks co. 120 

Caernarvon township in Berks county, 135 



iNPEs;. 491? 



FA8K* 



Cumru township, 138 

« " Indians killed in by the Winters, 138 

Canassatego, anecdote of, 208 

Commission to Colonel Weiser, 218 

Coxtown, 240 

Centre township, 255 

Cold Spring in Lebanon county, 327 

Committee General at Reading, 389 

Clymer Daniel Col., his autograph, &c. 390 

Common Schools, importance of, 415 

Conference in Oley, . 425 

Catholics Roman, 461 

Church of God, 468 

Charitable and Literary Societies of Reading, 471 

Courts of Berks and Lebanon counties, 476 

D. 

Delaware river, scenes on its banks described, 14 

Delaware Indians divided into different tribes, 17 

Derrick Sixths watch house at, 51 

Dieppel Lawrence, his children cruelly murdered, 62 

Dickey Elizabeth and her child taken prisoner, 74 

Ditzelar Michael his wife killed and scalped, 76 
De Tircks or De Turcks, Huguenots, settle in Oley, 87, 88 

Douglassville, 127 

District township, 141 

Douglass township, 143 

De Turk Maria, her letter, 244 

Dragon's Cave, 240 

Danner, father of Christian killed, 333 

" Christian taken captive, 323 
Dady Doctor and his accomplices, 355, 359 

Dunkards, religious history of 424 

E. 

Elder Revd. w^rites to a minister, near Adam Reed's, 42, 3-35 

Eschton Philip, one of his children scalped, 72 

Eidgenoss or Eedgenotten and Eidgenossenschaft, 85 

Early settlement at Tulpehocken, 97 
Earl of Shaftesbury takes an interest in the Germans, &c. 101 

42* 



498 INDEX. 



Elsace township, 144 

Exeter township, Berks county, 184 

Earl township, 259 

Elizabeth run, 322 

Ewing James, elected 2d Brigadier General, 394 

Education in Berks and Lebanon, 407 

Episcopalians, 463 

F. 

First settlers of Pennsylvania from England, Wales, Hol- 
land, Germany, l4 
Figurative language of the Indians, 20 
Manning's son and one Hicks murdered by the Indians 47 
Finsher John, his house and barn burnt, 67 
Fell Martin and others killed, 67 
Fischbach Joseph, a soldier wounded, 72 
Frantz John, his wife killed and three children carried 

off 76, 132 • 

Fincher and his family murdered by the Indians, 78 

French Protestants or Huguenots, 82 

Fader waer som aest i Himmelen, &c. 82 

Frankhn's story of Cannesatego, 208 

Fredericksburg or Stumpstown, 822 
Fort Smith, 63, 364 

Franklin Library of Reading, 474 

G. 

Gliwell, Auchmudy, McCahon, &c., petition governor 

Morris, 34 

George Gabriel's house burnt by the Indians, 38 

Great Cove, persons murdered at 47 

Gallaway Elizabeth murdered, 47 

Gilson Henry murdered, 47 

Geiger Nicholas, his wife and two children killed, 76 

Germans who emigrated to Pennsylvania, &c., 90 
Germans used as make weights in the political balance, 94 

Grosskill creek, in Bethel township, Berks county, 134 

Graydon Alexander, extract from his memoirs, 153 

Greenwich township, Berks county, 196 



INDEX. 499 



Grimsville, 187 

Galbraith James of Cumberland, 215 

Garnents' church, 227 

Gloninger George, 810 
Geology, 274, 275 

German Seventh Day Baptists, 426 

Garrick Association of Reading, 472 

H. 

Hannah, last of the Lenape in Pennsylvania, 32 

Hostilities between Great Britain and France, 83 
Harris's (John) letters to the Governor, 35, 37 

Hartman Henry murdered by the Indians, 48 

Hunter or Yeager Martin and his wife killed, 72 

Hart William taken captive, 76 

Hubler Frantz his wife and three children carried off, 70 

Huguenots or French Protestants, account of 83 
Hiester Joseph Gov. notice of 175, 295 

Hiester, Daniel and John 205 

Hiester Isaac M. D., Pres. of Med. Fac. Berks co. 290 

Hartley Thomas Col. 182 

Heidelberg township in Berks county, 188 

" " first settlers from New York, 189 

" " first settlers Starker Eigenisnn, i.191 
" " Washington Gen. at Reading furnace,. 193 

Hereford township, Berks county, 222 

" " Schwenkfelders settled in, 222 

Hunters' Furnace 240 

Hamburg, 252 

Heidelberg meeting, 275 

Haendsche Jacob murdered, 317 

Hanover township, 323 

Hollenbach Matthias, memoir of 328 

Heidelberg township, Lebanon county, 336 

Harper Adam, 352 

Heydrich Peter, 365 

Hunters' Col. battalion refuse to march, 405 

I. 

Immigration, cause of to America and Pennsylvania, 14 



500 INDEX. 

Indians that inhabited the eastern part of Pennsylvania, 16 

" accounts of their origin,, 16 

" described by Wm. Penn — their persons, &c. 18 

Implements — domestic ones — used by the natives, 30 

Irish — an account of first settlers, 114 

" settled within the limits of Berks county, 115 

Indians are witty in natural things, 211 

Incident — a thrilling one related, 247, 248 

Internal improvements, 378 



Johnston Jane murdered by the Indians, 325 

Jackson Wilham abducted, and returned,, 344 

Jews' graveyard at ShaefFerstown, 345 

Jonestown or Williamsburg, 348 

Jackson township, 361 

Justices of the Peace of Berks, 478 

K. 

King Jacob, murdered by the Indians, 34 

Kurtz, the Revd., sent for by Conrad Weiser, 44 

Kluck Peter his house burnt by the Indians, 59 

Lraushar and his wife were murdered, 60 

Kreag, or Creigh John killed by the Indians, 67 

Kurtz Rev. writes to Muhlenberg, 71 

Kessler's Spring, _ 145 

Keim Daniel B., his sketch of Reading, 147 

Keim, Whitaker & Co.'s iron works, l6S 

Kline'sville in Berks county, 187 

Kutztown, 229 

Kreutzug Apostolischer, 425 

L. 

Leinberger John killed, 53 

Long Nicholas his house set on fire, 67 

Long Leonard, his son, was killed and scalped, 72 

Lebenguth and his wife killed and scalped, 76 

Logan James, touching the Irish, 1 H 

Liberty poles at Reading, &c. l64 

Long-sv/amp township, 225 



INDEX, 501 



Leesport, 227 

Lee Thomas E. 241 

Little Northkill creek, 25^ 

Lower Heidelberg township, Berks county, 256. 

Lebanon county erected, 301 

*' township, 302 

Light Joseph, 303. 
Lebanon town, 309, 311 

Londonderry township, 332 

Luther's views of schools, 4l3 

Lutherans, religious history of, . 430 

M. 

M'Clelland David murdered by the Indians, 47 

Morgan Jacob, his deposition, 52 

Mies George pursues the Indians, 67 

Motz Eernhart killed, 07 

Miller Leonard his son made prisoner, 72 

Mauerer George cutting oats, was killed, 73 

Mackey James murdered in Hanover, 73 

Mosser Hans and Adam, killed in Bethel township, 77 

Miller, four or five of his children murdered, 78 

Martloff Philip, his wife and children killed, 79 

Miesse Gabriel, son of Jacob, 130 

Millersburg, Berks county, l34 

Morgantown in Berks county, 136 
Miller Peter John Rev. witli Conrad Weiser, 201, 432 

Maiden creek township, 226 

Manajunk or Schuylkill, 226 

Maxatawny township, 22S 

Marion township, 257 

Medical Faculty of Berks county, 290 
Mies George John murdered by the Indians, 317, 32 L 

Mennonites, religious history of, 423 

Moravians, religious history of, 428 
Muhlenberg Henry I\Ielchior Rev. 432, 438 

Methodist Episcopal Church, 465 

Museum at Reading, 494 

N. 

Natives of America described by William Penn, " 18 



50^ INDEX. 



Neytong Balser, his wife murdered by the Indians, 59. 

Noah Frederick killed by the Indians, 63 
Neulaender, class of Germans well known by that name, 93 
Newmanstown, partly in Berks and Lebanon counties, 195 

New Born, 233, 417 

Nicole, French and Indian trader. 245 

O. 

Opekasset, an Indian chief at Molatton, 125 

Onteelaunee, or Maiden Creek, 225 

Oley township, 230 

« Moravian Synod held in, 237 

Otterbein William Rev., 445 

P. 

Pennsylvania an uncultivated territory, l3: 

Penn William obtains a charter for Pennsylvania, 14. 
Penn's creek, or Mahahany, west side of the Susquehanna, 35 

Peer Robert murdered by the Indians, 47 
Parson William writes to Rev. Kurtz and W. Reed, 48, 49 

Probst Valentine writes to Jacob Levan, 56 

Phoenix Ship, Jonas Rupp, and others sail in, 93 

Palatine families at Mahanatawny, 96, l25 

Pine creek in Albany township, 124 

.Plum creek in Bern township, 129, 255 

Prisoners of w^ar at Reading, l46 

Post Frederick calls to see Conrad Weiser 474. 

Pyrlaeus studies Mohawk with Weiser, 205 

Peters. Richard a letter to, from Weiser, 213 

Penn tov;nship, 256 

Pike township, 259 
Proceedinp-s of a meeting in the autograph of Clymer, 390 

Pauli Reinhold Philip Rev. 460 

Presbyterians, 464 

Press history of, 470 

Poor maintenance of 475, 

Q. 

Quakers, German ones from Cresheim, l4 

Quitopahilla, or Snake harbor, 304 

Quakers religions history of 422 



Index. 503 

PAGK. 

R. 

Robinson Thomas, his son was killed, 74 

Robinson Samuel shot, he died, 76 

Rupp Jonas, a redemptioner, 93 

Reading, on the Schuylkill in 1752, 117,147,156 

Regina and Barbara abducted by the Indians, 3l9 

Rank Willian, his communication, 348 
Represantatives from Berks and Lebanon county, 482-486 

Rosenthal, ' 493 

s. 

Spring Casper, murdered and scalped, 53 

Seitel Barnabas, his barn burnt by the Indians, 59 

Shoep John, a young lad abducted, 61 

Schrenck Christian, his wife escapes, 71 

Sechler Adam, his wife scalped, 72 

Smelley widow, killed and scalped. 73 

Semelke Peter, his house and barn burnt, 74 

Shetterly, two brothers killed, 76 

Snavely Jacob, his son murdered, 76 
Schlatter Michael Rev. superintendant of schools, 103, 442 

Schneider Jacob, Editor of the Adler, maltreated, 165 

Schwenkfelders settle in Berks county, 222, 427 

Spitler John murdered, 310 

Steger a young man taken captive 334 

Schultz Christian, Red. Sen. 427 

Senators from Berks county, 488 

" " Lebanon county, 415 

T. 

Terrance's (Adam) letter touching Shamokin, 39 
Trump Adam in Allemengel killed, 

Tulpehocken early settlement at 97 
Thomson Rev. solicits funds to educate the Germans in 

Pennsylvania, lOO 

.Tulpehocken township, 245 

Turnpikes, 383 

.Tories brought to Reading, 404 

Taeufer, religious history ofj 424 



^4 iNDtX. 



PIO^S 



u. 

Ulrich Daniel Rev. resides where Kurtz resided, 44 

Umberger Leonard, 93 • — j — 

Union township, Berks co. 251 

Union ville, 2ol 

Upper Tulpehocken township, 26'S 

Upper Bern township, 254 

Union township, Lebanon county, 864 

Union Canal, 378 

United Brethren in Christ, 466 

Universalists. 467 

V. 

Virginsville, 240 

Versamnlung Grosse, origin of 1.426 

W. 

Weiser Conrad writes to the Governor, 47,-205,-210 

Wolf Jacob, his child scalped, 59 

Wuensch Felix, shot by the Indians, 61 

Weidle Jacob Esq., his letter to the waiter, 64 

Winckelblech John his two sons killed, 72 

Williams Isaac his wife and widow Williams killed, 73 

Wampler Peter his children carried off, 74 

Winters John and Walter murder some Indians 111 
Welsh settlers numerous and respectable in Berks county ,llO 

Wommelsdorf tov.'n, 194 
Weiser Conrad, biographical sketch of 195,-222 

Weiser Frederick murdered by the Indians, 3l7 

Williamsburg or Jonestown, 348 

Y. 

Yeth William mortally wounded by the Indians, 6l 
Yeager Martin and his wife killed. 

Young Samuel his wdfe and child taken prisoners, 74 

Yoder Jacob, born in Reading 1758, 18^ 

Z. 

Zeisloff and his wife w^ere murdered, 60 

Zeuchmacher, an old man, killed, 67 
Zinzendorf Count calls on Conrad Weiser, 204, 428, 429 

THE END. 



SUBSCRIBEES^ NAMES. 



Reading. 
Hon. John Ritter & Co., 
James May Jones, 
Jno. S. Richards, Esq., 
Boyer & Getz, 
Hon. Henry A. Muhlenberg, 
Matthias S. Richards, Esq., 
Morris M. Ancona, M. D., 
Rev. James L. Schock, 
Jno. P. Hiester, M. D., 
Joel Ritter, 
Isaac Hiester, M. D., 
Chas. Troxell, P. M., 
Saml. S. Young, 
John L. Rightneyer, 
Rev. J. O. Bucher, 
Rev. Wm. Pauli, 
Peter Nagle, 
Rev. Pennell Coombe, 
Rev. R. U. Morgan, 
John S. Hiester, Esq., 
Hon. Jno. Banks, 
Elijah Deckert, Esq., 
Charles Davis, Esq., 
Hiester H. Muhlenberg, M. D., 
S. Myers & Son, 
Arnold Puwelle, 
Wm. Gries, M. D., 
Jacob M. Long, 
F. H. Behue, M. D., 

C. H. Hunter, M. D. 

D. R. & W. H. Clymer, 
A, H, Raiguel, 



Samuel Bell, 
D. M'Knight, 
Wm. M. Seyfert, 
Packer & Coleman, 
Rev. William Sterling, 
Rev. Samuel Davison, 
Jno. Allgaier, 
W. Darling, Esq. 
J. Heitzmann, 
J. L. Stichter, 
Geo. G. Barckly, Esq. 
Joseph Henry, 
Geo. Boyer, 
John Miller, 
Zacharias H. Maurer, 
John Green, 
Rev. J'b Miller, 
D. K. Shultz, 
Boas Ketterer, 
S. Warner, 
Isaac Myers, 
Chas. M. Pearson, 
Jacob D. Barnet, 
Henry Binckley, 
Wm. Wunder, 
Saml. S. Jackson, 
Ger. G. BisghofF, 
William Betz, Esq. 
Wm. B. Schoener, 
Henry Brown, 
And. M. Sallade, Esq. 
M. B. Eckert, Esq. 
J. Pringle Jones, Esq. 



506 



SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. 



R. M. Bair, Esq. 

John S. Schwear, 

A. F. MiJler, Esq. 

John Goldsmith, 

Fred. Louwen, 

J. L. Dunn, Esq. 

Gen. Geo. D. B. Keim, 

Geo. W. Arms, Esq. 

Benevi]le Keim, 

Keim, Whitaker & Co. 

Wm. Streeten, 

James Fitzimmon, 

John F. Mol], 

Lewis Seider, 

D. H. Dotterer, 

Saml. Boone, 

Adam Jones, 

William Graeff, Jr. 

-David D. Maurer, 

George Hantsch, 

Daniel Boas, 

Sol'n A. Stout, 

Thomas S. Leaser, 

Andrew Davis, 

J. T. Jackson, 

Levi S. Knerr, 

Willm. R. Nicholls, 

Thomas Barnett, 

William Martin, 

John E. Yager, 

John E. Schaefer, 

George Thorn, 

Solomon G. Birch, M. D. 

John Taxis, 

Fredk. Lauer, 

F. B. Shalter, 

John Rapint, 

John Miller, 

S. Williams & H. Roch, 

William Bingaman and Henry 

Bindenger, 
L. Mannerbach, 



Philip Zieber, 
A. Righteye, 
G. D. Levan, 
Sol. Brubaker, 
Wm. Lotz, 
Michael Riefsnyder, 
J. & E. Eynicle, 
Henry Van Reed, Esq. 
Wm. Gensemer, 
Charles Phillippi, 
H. Rhoads, Esq. ■ 
Rev. F. A. M. Keller, 
Rev. A. L. Herman, 
A. F. Boas, 
Gen. Geo. M. Keim, 
Isaac Eckert, 
Adam Johnston, 
Robert Mills, Jr. 
J. L. Dunn, Esq. 
Albert G. Bradford, 
Henry High, 
John P. Miller, 
Jas. V. Lambert, 
George Garnant, 
John S. Reifsnyder, 
William A. Wells, Esq. 
T. W. Hoffmand,' 
Herman Beard, 
Richard I. Groff, 
William Call, 
Wm. Wanner, 
John Kelly, 
G. E. Ludwig, 
Rev. William Sterling, 
Rev. Samuel Davison, 
Henry High, 
John P. Miller, 
James V. Lambert, 
Sam. E. Griscom, 
N. Soder. 

CuMRu Township. 
Adam W. Kauffman, 



SUBSCRIBERS NAMES* 



507 



Elijah Ruth, 
Bennerville Yoost, 
Benjamin H. Wagner, 
Solomon Reifsnyder, 
Isaac M'Cardy, 
Daniel Francis, 
Wm. Lewis, 
Jacob Dick, Esq. 
D. B. Lorah, 
Martin Fritz, 
Hugh O'Neill, 
David Rothraan, 
Geo. Freeman, 
John Schwartz, 
John Weidner, 
Thos. J. Thomas, 
Wm. Rohrbach, 
Abel Thomas, 
Jacob Shilling, 
John Shoup, Jr. 
Geo. Spohn, 
Henry Mull, 
A. H. Witman, M. D. 
John Bush, 
Hiram Miller, 
Isaac Rollman, 
M. Miller, 
Benneville Miller, 
Wm. Spohn, 
Abr. Ruth, M. D. 
Richard S. Ludwig, 
Reuben Spohn, 
Wm. Ruth, 
George Ruth, 
Elisha Beard, 
Thos. Van Reed, 
Daniel Ruth, 
John B. Van Reed, 
Rufus Addams, 
David Marshall, 
Peter Miller, 
Jacob Winter, 
Michael G. Moyer. 



Alsace Township. 

F. A. N. Hiester, 

Jonathan Derninger, 

Thos. J, Webeer, 

Daniel Baum, 

Adam Philhps, 

Jacob Madiera, 

Daniel Spangler, 

Simon Hoyer, 

Jacob Klohs, 

Lewis Miller, 

A. Leize, 

Jacob Gehert, 

Wm. Hinnershitz, 

Jacob Deisher, 

John W. Burkhart, 

Nicholas Mason, 

Henry P. Birkinbine, 

John Jackson, 

Ezra High, 

John Missimer. 

Robeson Township. 

Henry A. Seyfert, 
Samuel Kachel, 
Wm. Wetley, 
Nelson Dickinson, 
Gains Dickinson, 
Lewis M. Fawkes, 
Da:iil Serbe, 
John Moore, , 
Geo*. Moore, 
Samuel Wolf, 
Martin Glass, 
Peter Schweitzer, 
John Wetley, 
John StafFerd, 
Philip Witman, 
Daniel Fry, 
John Fry, ' 

Levi B. Smith, 
John E. Rigg, 
Mathew Sample, 
Evan Evans, Esq. 



508 



SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. 



Geo. Sponagle, 
Paul Geiger, Esq. 
James Geiger, 
John M'Nabb, 
John Geiger, 
Isaac Geiger, 
Michael Walters, 
Martley Potts, 
Elisha Wells, 
Cadwallader Morris, 
Mahlon R, Parker, 
John Kale, 
J. S. Myers, 
Isaac Templin, 
Samuel Palsgrove, 
Wm. Everhart, 
Samuel Zink, 
Peter Moore, 
Jacob Fox, 
Josiah Lewis, 
Henry Iloman, 
Thos. Jacobs, 
John Old, 
John Miller, 
G. S. Pierce, 
Edw'd Brooke, 
David J. Lincoln, 
Abraham D. Hill, 
Franklin M. Reazor, 
John Saboldt, 
S. E. Hirst, 
Jacob H. Hill, 
Joseph Mohr, 
Daniel Hoffman, 
Joseph F. Sarge, 
Samuel B. Wetley, 
W. Bell, 
David Richard, 
Wra. Welley, 
Geo. Garman, 
Peter Garman. 

C.T.iiNARvoN Township 
avid Morgan, 



Daniel J. Bruner, M. D. 
David Finger, Esq. 
John Vv''eidensau], 
Geo. Wert, 
Wilson Hamilton 
J. Pawhng, 
Wm. Pawling, 
Milton Rutherford, 
John Deihm, 
John Morgan, 
Davis Smith, 
Menry Mengel, 
Jacob Mast, sen. 
Jacob Mast, 
John D. Jones, 
Wm. Vahgey, 
H. B. Jacobs, 
Daniel Fooman, 
Abraham Heatrunft, 
Geo. W. Johnson, 
Evan Sheeler. 

Brecknock Township 
Chr. Burckhart, 
Christian Bowman 
Peter Bowman, 
Jacob Fritz, 
Christian Huber, 
John Becker, Esq. 

Umivu Tow^nship. 
John Harrison, 
Clement Brooke, 
Isaac Wolf, 
Jacob Giger,| 
George Wamsher, 
Philip Fosnoch, 
Jacob Hoffman, 
Samuel Staraets, 
Jacob Giger, jr. 
Benjamin Grubb, 
John M'Gowen, jr. 
H. S. Rupp, 
Wm. D. Munter, 



SUBSCRIBERS KAMES. 



509 



George D. Putz. 

Douglass Township. 
Jeremiah Van Reed, 
Daniel Mauger. 

Amity Township. 
H. M'Kenty, 
William Jones, M. D. 
David B. Mauger, 
Washington Russell, 
Doughten & Custer, 
George Custer, 
Peter Marquart, jr. 
John Wagoner, 
Henry Haus, 
Abraham Babp, 
William Yocom, 
George Womsher, 
Jacob Yocom, 
Samuel Boone, 
Jacob Kline, 
Lot Rimby, 
John Goodman, 
Mahlon Airaan, 
Amos Firing, 
Hiram C. Eaum, 
Solomon Feather, 
George Kline, jr. 
Jacob S. Lachman, 
Solomon Rhoads, 
Ephraim Mauger, 
George K. Lorah, 
Jacob Strunck, 
E. Lee, 

Jeremiah Rhoads, 
Lewis Beachtel, 
Joseph Grisemer, 
John Frances, 
David K. Bortz, 
Moses Stinbernger, 
Samuel Rhoads. 

COLEBROOKDALE ToWNSHIP. 

John Staffer, Esq. 



Rev. A. S. Basler, 
Joel Bryan, M. D. 
Jonathan B. Rhoads, 
Henry B. Boyer, 
Henry H. Gaubel, 
Frederick Schawnhart, 
David K. East, 
Lewis Worman, 
Jacob K. Boyer, 
Frederick Witman, '■ 
Daniel Cressman, 
Daniel Grau, 
Daniel S. Sands, 
David Fox, 
Israel R. Lauchs, Esq. 
Daniel Heller, 
Benneville B. Rhoads, 
Wm. Johnson, 
Peter Kuser, 
Wm. G. Fritz, 
Wm. Ritter, 
Solomon Rhoads, 
Samuel Yost, 
John S. Rhoads, 

Exeter Township. 
Jacob Hawk, 
Jacob B. Brumbach, 
A. Guldin, 
Daniel Housum, 
Avon Egolf, 
Michael Koch, 
G. Moyer, 
Daniel Bishop, 
John Esterly, 
Henry Gilbert, 
David Winters, 
Jacob Esterly, 
George Hartman, 
Samuel Hechler, ; 
Daniel Kehr, 
Martin Goodhart, 
Bartholomew Barto, 
David B. Kline, 



5l0 



SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. 



James Lee, 

Isaac Crisman, 
Maiden-creek Township. 

John Keira, 

John E. Addams, Esq. 

James Darrah, M. D. 

Samuel W. Althouse, 

John Kehr, 

John H. Gernant, 

Adam Gernant, 

T. S. Shoemaker, 

John Smith, 

Thos. Reber, 
David E. Bosler, 
Isaac Ely, 
Thos. Evans, 
Abraham K. Lesher, 
Charles A. Yoch, 
Peter Sell, 
Charles Coleman, 
John Housnet, 
Solomon Kerby, 
Jacob Hoffman, 
G. W. Wily, 
D. NefF, 
Ely G. Fox, 
Samuel KerchhofF, 
Joseph E. Peter, 
Stinly Kerby, 
Abraham Graeff, 
John Dunkle, 
Isaac Huy, jr. 
Jacob Leightfoot, 
Abraham Hughes, 
Mordecai Lee, 
Mary B. Lee, 
William Willits, 
Thos. Penrose, 
Rees L. Davies, 
Henry Moll, 
Jacob Parvin, 
Wm. Rahn, 
David Huy, 



Benneville Kline, 
Henry A. Hottenstainj 
Jacob Ulrich, 
Jacob T. O'Brien, 
Abraham Forney, 
Jacob GraefF, 
Augustus B. Hottenstain, 
Jacob Dunkel, 
Solomon Hovning. 

Lower heidelberg township. 

Francis Sell, 

Harrison Ruth, 

Thos. B. Reber, 

Samuel Hain, 

William Fisher, 

Adam L. Hain, 

John Hoover, 

Daniel B. Wenrich, 

B. H. Guevlin, 

John Saylor, 

Adam Hain, 

John B. Siegfried, 

John A. Hain, 

William Beidler, 

Isaac Hain, 

Henry Miller, 

Hon. Wm. Addams, 

Amos Miller, 

Henry Z. Van Reed. 

Upper heidelberg township. 

Samuel Fisher, 

John Sohl, jr. 

Jacob H. Boyer, 

Daniel Ramsey, 

Samuel Reed, 

Andrew Taylor, jr. 

John L. Fisher, 

John Shitz, 

G. B. Keiser, 

Wm. M'Donell, 

A G Morss, M D 

E G Shuize, 



SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. 



ill 



John A C Stephen, 
E P Smith, 
John E Schwalem, 
Wm Moore, M D 
John Gregory, 
Ezra Reed, 
Col Jesse Renehold, 
M Seltzer. 

MARION TOWNSHIP. 

Benjamin Hoffman, 
John Lindsley, 
J Kellar Burns, 
Jno C Reed, 
Rev Daniel Ulrich, 
Samuel Shitz, 
Peter Etschberger, 
Jacob Tice, Esq 
Edward Ellig, M D 
Samuel Lindemuth, 
Eli Klopp, 
Jacob Jones, 
Josiah Groh, 
Sam'l L Stewart, 
Edward H Becker, 
Martin Brown, 
Joseph Hollenbush. 
Franklin Etchberger. 

TULPEHOCKEN TOWNSHIP. 

Philip Kline, 
Francis A Harner, 
Cyrus Geasey, 
Valentine Brobst, 
Henry W S Nipe, 
Jacob Trion, M D 
Peter Aulenbauch, 
Henry Dewald, 
Benjamin Klahr, 
George Schaeffer, 
Jacob Frantz, 
Isaac Kurr, 
Peter Lebo, 
John Levengood, 



Willougby H. Weiler, 
John S Leisse, 
Joseph Klahr, 
Isaac Harner, 
Samuel Miller, 
Joseph Seyfert, 
Samuel Heilig, 

BETHEL TOWNSHIP. 

Wm K Brobst, 
Frederick Harner, 
Charles J Commens, Esq 
D L Batdorff, 
Michael Slrmeltzer, 
Daniel Walborn. 

UPPER BERN TOWNSHIP. 

Joseph Nunemaeher, 
Wm. Sherrer, 
Simon Riegel, 
Wm Sauers, 
Alber Sausser, 
Geo. Reinzel, 
Solomon Albright, 
Daniel Seifert, 
Franklin V Wagner. 

WINDSOR TOWNSHIP. 

Charles H Mohr, 
Oliver Dyer, 
Samuel L Becker, 
William Reber, 
Reuben Weidman, 
Wm Mengel, 
Joseph Seidle, 
Jacob D Kline, 
Wm Bo wen, 
Henry Billig, 
Charles Keller, 
Samuel Cox, 
Charles Lawrie, 
Anthony Richard, 
John Stiner, 
J Seiberling, M D 



■'n: 



SUBSCRIBERS NAMES. 



•'ohn Beirarraen, 
Charles Stoud, 
George Shollenberger, 
Daniel Kern, 
Peter Miller, 
Wm E Shollenberger, 
John Bailey, 
Daniel Wolf, 
J H Lewars, 
Plenry Lewars, Esq 
Charles L Jaeger, 
M A Sellers, 
Thomas Smith, 
Reuben Lintz, 
Josiah Hearing, 
John Sunday, 
John S Boyer, 
James G. Moyer, 
Moses S Schock, 
John Kirkpatrick, 
Thomas Sieger, 
Augustin Schulze, M D 
Baum. 

PENN TOWNSHIP. 

Geo Beyerle 
John Runkle 
Wm Montgomery 
Elias Staudt 
Daniel Deppen M D 
John Yeager 
Henry Witman 
John Reed 

A A M'Donough M D 
Edwin H Brockway 
Levi S Stumm 
Daniel Billraan Esq 
Gabriel O. Hiester 
Joseph Greath. 



RICHMOND TOWNSHIP. 

John G. Kaufman 
Nicholas W Hunter 
Fred'k K Bechtel 
Jacob Adam. 

LOWER BERN TOWNSHIP. 

Peter L Kershner 
Daniel B Reber 
Benneville B Reber 
Joseph Reber 
Samuel Albricrht 
John R King 
John Adam 
John Epler 
Peres Hain Esq 
Jared Epler. 

OLEY TOWNSHIP. 

Daniel Bartolet sen 
Daniel G Bartolet 
Wm A Himelreich 
Jacob de Kneuse 
Gideon Hoch 
Daniel Laucks 
Jeremiah Y Bechtel 
Isaac Bartolet 
John A Bartolet 
Abraham de Tirk 
Frederick Glase 
Samuel Spohn 
Wellington B Griesemer 
Isaac Van Sickle 
Henry Tyson 
John Maurer 
Elmira H Sands 
E B Gerben 
Benneville Griesemer 
John Y Antrim 



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